Last year! Nike and Man Utd to split ways
Ladies and gentlemen, you're looking at the last Manchester United home jersey made by Nike.
After mounting speculation that talks over a new kit deal had broken down, the American sportswear giant has confirmed that it will no longer sponsor the Red Devils' kit at the end of their current deal in 2015.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Nike's German rivals adidas have put forward a record deal worth US$100 million ($124m) a year for 10 years. That's a US$1 billion - a nice bit of change to have for a war chest to buy new players!
Nike are unwilling to match the proposal and a statement from spokesman Nigel Powell confirmed that the company had backed out of negotiations with United.
Final season
Powell said: "Manchester United is a great club with passionate fans.
"We are proud to have partnered with them for the last 12 years and will continue to sponsor the club until the end of the 2014-15 season.
"Any partnership with a club or federation has to be mutually beneficial and the terms that were on offer for a renewed contract did not represent good value for Nike's shareholders. We look forward to a successful final season with the club."
The iconic Nike swoosh first adorned the Red Devils' famous red jersey in 2002 after taking over from Umbro, with their last deal reportedly worth US$40m a year.
Source: Manchester Evening News
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