Arsenal’s new Adidas kit means much more than you think
“When you put on our shirt, you turn and face. You never hide.” – The legendary Ian Wright.
The pitch has always been a testing ground, not only of skill, but of character, of the ability to get back up and fight ‘til the whistle blows – win or lose.
And fan gear isn’t just about supporting a team; it’s about taking on an entire ethos, a set of principles to shape your identity, to show yourself, above anyone else, who you are; who you choose to be.
Will you “turn and face”?
Arsenal in the 90s
The new 2019/20 Arsenal kit harkens back to the early 90s, a period during which the Gunners were looking forward to building a team that would see them win a number of titles in the coming years – a team that would lay the foundations for generations to come.
But, they’d have to fight for it – tooth and nail.
Starting off in the best of directions
They were crowned league champions in the 1988-89 and 1990-91 seasons, and in 1993 Arsenal conquered the FA Cup and League Cup double, winning both. In ’94 they held the European Cup Winners’ Cup (the UEFA Cup).
The great let-down
After manager George Graham was found to have received kickbacks for signing certain players during his tenure at the helm of the club, Arsène Wenger, who was to become one of the Premier League’s fiercest campaigners, took the reins in ’96.
After this knock, rebuilding confidence in the team and franchise would be a monumental challenge. But Wenger and his players didn’t take things lying down.
Blood, sweat and tears
Arsenal won the FA Cup and league champions double in 1997–98, and again in 2001–02. To date, Arsenal has lifted the FA Cup more times than any other club.
Winning the Premier League, League Cup, UEFA or the FA Cup takes more than skill and expensive players. It takes 100% dedication, true grit and deep reserves of will power.
All these traits are found in a giant of the game, Ian Wright.
Ian Wright – the original Invincible?
The new Adidas kit’s 90s retro-styling and classic design have been introduced by the former striker, perhaps one of the great examples of a man who found the courage and inner strength to “turn and face” in his darkest hours.
Tough early years
Wright was born to an absentee father, who, in turn, was replaced by a cruel and abusive stepfather (the stories he tells are absolutely terrible).
After years of rejection from clubs, periods of poverty and a two week stint in prison at 19 for the non-payment of driving fines, Wright was forced to look for employment outside of football.
Clearing the dark skies
In 1985, however, things began to change.
After six or seven matches of playing as a semi-professional – earning just £30 a week – he was spotted by a Crystal Palace scout.
This was the beginning of a career that would make the striker not only a Palace and Arsenal legend, but a legend of the game.
In fact, he was chosen by Palace as their Player of the Century.
After a brilliant six years at Palace, Wright moved to what would become his spiritual home – the Gunners. The once semi-pro earning £30 a week was sold to Arsenal for £2.5 million (a club record fee).
How to rise to the very top
To kick things off, he scored a hat-trick on his league debut for the club against Southhampton.
This set the tone for things to come.
Wright’s career was marked by exceptionalism, and he became Arsenal’s top goal scorer for six successive seasons. He passed the club’s previous goal scoring record with yet another hat-trick (against Bolton Wanderers).
Watch – Ian Wright, born to finish
His total Gunner’s tally would end at 185 goals. This has only been surpassed by Thierry Henry in 2005.
Considering the world class players the club has signed over the past 25 years, this is an incredible achievement, and stands testament to Wright’s phenomenal talent.
He also appeared over 30 times in the England jersey.
“That’s why we play”
Given the hardships he faced throughout his younger years, and his unwavering dedication to the sport during a long and distinguished career, when Ian Wright says “turn and face”, know that he’s done it all his life.
When looking at the new kit, see the courage and character of those who wore its predecessor almost 30 years ago, those who blazed a trail for generations to come.
