We’ve seen kits come and go. But every once in a while, one emerges, telling a tale that resonates beyond the contours of the stadium. Manchester City‘s freshly launched away kit for the 2023/24 season, a collaboration with PUMA, is just that – a story, a memory, and a tribute all woven into one.
Manchester. The very name brings up images of towering mills, the relentless hum of factories, and the pulsating energy of a city that has seen it all. The industriousness of its people, the buzzing warehouses, and its industrial heritage are intrinsic parts of Manchester’s DNA. This very fabric of Manchester’s history is what the new away kit draws inspiration from.
The all-over tonal graphic print lends the jersey a nostalgia-infused vibe, evoking the intricate weave patterns from yesteryears. The industrial might of Manchester, once the hub of cotton mills, is now showcased on the backs of some of the finest footballers. It’s almost poetic to think that Guardiola’s squad will wear this narrative-driven kit for the first time against Burnley, kicking off the Premier League on the 11th of August.
The ripples of excitement aren’t limited to the Premier League alone. Serena Gosling, the Director of Integrated Fan Experience and Retail & Licensing at Manchester City, can’t contain her enthusiasm. The club’s other kits – the home one commemorating two decades of the Etihad Stadium and the eye-catching third one launched in Tokyo – have already set the sales charts on fire. The expectations are naturally sky-high for this away kit, especially given its rooted connection to Manchester’s lifeblood.
Speaking of design, what’s a shirt without a splash of color? Manchester City’s new kit, with its pristine white base, flaunts gold flame highlights, an obvious nod to the famed brickworks of Ancoats. And if you peek inside the neck, there’s a delicate imprint of the city’s factory skyline, a touch of home for every Cityzen.
PUMA isn’t just content with making a stylish statement on the field. To mark the kit’s launch, Rocket League enthusiasts are in for a treat. From the 24th of August to the 5th of September, the game will feature special PUMA-themed wheels, player banners, and custom Octane and Fennec decals echoing the new design.
Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Head of Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel, summed it up best. “The jersey combines modern design elements with nods to the city itself, resulting in something that truly resonates with those that wear it, whether that’s on the pitch or in the stands.” And power it does, integrating the essence of the city, bridging the gap between past and present. Mueller’s vision of combining industrial shades with a traditional collar has culminated in a jersey that’s both contemporary and timeless.
The modern athlete demands performance, and this kit delivers. With its ULTRAWEAVE fabric, the players are promised reduced friction, enabling them to grace the field with unbridled freedom. Moreover, the dryCELL technology ensures that sweat is the last thing on their minds.
Being stylish doesn’t have to cost the Earth. Both the Authentic and the Replica versions, the latter for fans to adorn, are crafted using 100% recycled materials. This underlines the commitment of both Manchester City and PUMA towards a more sustainable future.
The 2023/24 Manchester City Away kit is now up for grabs, not just at the Etihad Stadium Store but also at PUMA outlets, mancity.com/shop, and a select list of global retailers.
© Photos: PUMA
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