The second most popular color variation of the Premier League names and numbers is the black/white variant.
The by most widely used is white/black while navy, red, and gold are used rather seldomly.
and lets look at the plain letters and see how they look like when applied to the garment.
Premier League gold badges are worn by the reigning champs of the previous season.
Manchester City won the English Premier League for the season 11/12 thus during the season 12/13 they have been wearing the gold badges.
For the season 13/14 Manchester United as the reigning champs will be equipped with the golden badges.
Contrary to other leagues the Premier League has decided that there should be a badge featuring the league on each sleeve so in fact there is a set with two badges.
The Manchester City gold badge features the EPL logo prominantly as well the sponsor Barclays.
“I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic” or “Jeg er Zlatan Ibrahimovic”. The book takes the reader to the very beginning of Zlatan’s upbringing in suburb to Malmo in southern Sweden. Not an easy life at the beginning for Zlatan but then he is sold from Malmo FF to Ajax Amsterdam and from there on he never looks back.
The cover is from the Danish version of the book. The quote from a newspaper is from the Swedish newspaper Expressen though.
Where is the “buy here” link to Amazon ? well maybe you should try Barnes and Nobles this time around.
Over the recent years Nike, along with other brands such as Adidas and Puma, has started to release the authentic player version shirts for the general replica shirt markets. From a business point of view this can be seen as an act to try to increase the profit margins of these products. For consumers this means a wider range of products that can be seen as a positive development. Basically for more money you get some added performance features but if you don’t want to spend there are also cheaper options available with the same style as the authentic ones.
Manufacturers also offer teamwear shirts with same performance features that the authentic player version shirts have – or at least they claim that the teamwear shirts have these advanced features. In this review a Nike Laser Premium Game teamwear jersey (size large) is compared to different Nike authentic player version club and country jerseys (all size large). As a bonus, a pair of Nike teamwear shorts are compared to Nike replica shorts.
 |
Nike Laser Premium Game teamwear jersey front.
 |
Nike Laser Premium Game teamwear jersey back.
 |
Nike authentic player version shirts.
 |
Nike teamwear shorts.
STYLE
The Nike Laser Premium Game jersey basically has the same style as the current Nike Brazil shirts. From a distance you can’t really notice any significant differences to authentic player shirts. Style wise the shirt has nothing special, it might even be seen a little boring. Some people might be put off by the big panels on the cuffs.
FIT
Nike claims that the Laser Premium Game jersey tight performance fit. In reality it’s not even close. The Nike authentic player version shirts are a perfect example of shirts with tight performance fit. They hug the form of your body but are not uncomfortably tight. Depending on different types of Dri-Fit material they can also stretch a little. The Laser Premium Game jersey however has more of a fit of a normal Nike replica jersey. The fit is very loose and baggy. Of course you could buy the shirt in a smaller size but still you won’t get that tight body hugging fit of an authentic Nike player version shirt.
 |
The difference in fit can clearly be seen in this picture.
MATERIAL
Almost all Nike football shirts are made out of Nike’s Dri-Fit material. However Dri-Fit is not a unambiguous material. Dri-Fit can be tough or soft, it can stretch or in some products it doesn’t stretch at all. If Nike says that some product is made out of Dri-Fit you really don’t know what you get before you can test the product. Though usually Dri-Fit has reasonable sweat wicking capabilities it is very light. Over recent years Nike has started to use recycled polyester in their products. Although this might be seen as a marketing trick the thought is nice.
The material on the Laser Premium Game jersey is 100% recycled polyester Dri-Fit. It’s quite close to same as on the Nike authentic player version shirts or replica shirts. It’s stretchy but you won’t get any benefits from that since the fit is so baggy. The material feels very light but not specially comfortable. The material is very thin and seems a bit cheap. Some Nike authentic shirts have some cotton added to the material (for example 12-13 Holland away authentic shirt) that makes the feel of the shirts very comfortable. The cotton can be clearly seen from the different color tone on the inside of the shirt. The authentic player version shirts usually have a bit more thicker material than normal shirts. That makes the shirts feel stronger and not so cheap as on replica or teamwear shirts. Still there is a lot of variation between the materials on different Nike authentic player version shirts. Some shirts (for example 11-12 Inter and Juventus home shirts) don’t stretch at all while some (for example 11-12 Brazil home shirt) has very stretchy material.
 |
Nike Laser Premium Game teamwear jersey front and back material.
 |
Added cotton can be seen when the shirt is turned inside out (white tone color).
CONSTRUCTION
The Laser Premium Game jersey has different materials on front and back. On the front you have the basic Dri-Fit material and on the back a mesh panel. The construction of the shirt seems to be very simple like on any other regular Nike Dri-Fit shirt. The shirt has laser-cut holes under the arms for better heat management. This is maybe the only common thing that the shirt has with Nike’s authentic player version shirts. One additional feature that has been popular on Nike authentic shirts are plastic t-bars on the shoulders of the shirts. The purpose of these t-bars is to make the seams stronger and more durable. In addition they are also a style feature making the shirt look better and differing it from regular shirts. The Laser Premium Game jersey doesn’t have the t-bars making it feel yet more like a regular shirt. In addition the jersey has embroidered Nike Swoosh on the front. On Nike authentic shirts all the logos are printed reducing weight (although the effect is minimal in reality).
 |
Laser-cut holes under the arms.
 |
T-bar on Holland away shirt.
 |
T-bar & printed Swoosh on Brazil home shirt.
 |
Nike Laser Premium Game teamwear jersey embroidered Swoosh.
 |
Printed logos on Holland away shirt.
Why do you support your current favorite club ?
For me, the first and last question are inevitably linked. As a child and budding calcio enthusiast, my favorite teams had 1 thing in common – Baggio was on the roster. From Juventus to Milan, Bologna and so on all before the age of 10 – my allegiances hopped around along with the divine ponytail.
However, in 98-99 something changed – I got internet at my house and was no longer restricted to following calcio on RAI via once-a-week public television programming. I became addicted to Baggio’s goals and magical moments.. in
nerazzurro!
I was now not only following my favorite player, but following a massive club challenging in -what was- the best league in the world.. Taking in weekly goals and highlights. Other legends of that era included Vieri, Zamorano, El Chino, Djorkaef, even Pirlo and Ronaldo; I worshiped them.
It was around that period of time that I received my first jersey as a gift – an authentic, thick-striped Internazionale home kit. I wore it everywhere and in doing everything and still feel a sense of satisfaction whenever I have it on – that’s how I know I’m a lifelong Inter fan; my roots are deep.
Which piece of advice would you offer your club if you were present at a board meeting ?
Italian football has lost its champions league spots and must now battle in all European competitions to regain its status as a top 3 league – giving 4 of its proud clubs the chance to thrive in Europe’s top competition once again every season.
However, I regretfully must advise inter to forgo Europa league success while focusing on winning the scudetto once again. As a top squad with only one competition to focus on, inter should be able to make a strong push for the title ala Juventus of this season with no taxing commitments outside the peninsula.
Being a perennial challenger and either winning the league or qualifying for the ucl directly is the only way to attract top talent to the side and maintain inter’s proud history.
Inter have had great success in the past 6 or so years, but also have suffered some huge disappointments in that time, dips in form, manager uncertainty and an aging squad.
Many of their current troubles stem from bad club and player management and a return to “Pazza Inter” or crazy Inter – an unpredictable but always enthralling state of affairs that can end in great victory or epic heartbreak.
The best years of Inter’s past 10 seasons have seen some of the world’s top players come and go – I would suggest bringing back the man who made it all happen, Oriali. As sporting director, Oriali signed prolific talents such as Ibrahimovic, Eto’o, Milito, Thiago Motta and more – while his successor Branca has brought on flops including Zarate, Forlan and Palombo.
Last, sign Stramaccioni as full fledged manager. He’s clever, charismatic, and has the support of the players – compared to the other options out there, the man affectionately dubbed ‘Stramala’ may have a promising future at the nerazzurri post.
What is the low point of the club while you have followed it ?
The obvious low point during the time I have followed Inter was the ___ season in which Inter led the title race until the last day.. Only to lose to bitter arch-rivals Juventus after an historic collapse. I distinctly remember seeing a soggy eyed Ronaldo on the sideline weeping as the scudetto slipped through black and blue fingers – an image we as Inter supporters won’t soon forget.
What is the high point ?
The highest highs of Inter’s success came with the 09-10 season treble: scudetto, coppa Italia AND the legendary Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.
The victory was not only a win for Inter’s trophy cabinet, but all of Italy -whether they accept it or not. In beating Bayern in the final, Inter secured the 4th and final champions league spot remain with Serie A for one more season.. Though the accomplishment was largely unappreciated.
It is also the season where a personal favorite of mine for years came to life and etched his name in the history books – there was no striker better than Diego Milito, il Pricipe, in 09-10. Period.
Which is/are your favorite jersey(s) from your club ?
For me, this question is a very tight race – and would have to be a draw in my eyes between my very first Inter jersey or 98-99 and the 09-10 shirt.
Purely on aesthetics, the 09-10 shirt wins with its smart stripes and tight ribbed collar.. Though the 98 shirt comes close with the bold, chunky black and blue stripes – my mind often wanders back to the champions league winning shirt being that it is the collector piece I do not have! Help me MM Sport!!
From a nostalgia standpoint, one shirt is what Baggio wore as he roared like lion, the other Milito donned as he twirled like dervish – its a tie!
When you were a kid which player would you like to become ? or who was your favorite player ?
As stated numerous times in this interview, my favorite player since I began following calcio has been Roberto Baggio – divin codino.
I idolized him as a youngster in 1994. I followed him throughout his career and thought that I was his biggest fan – only to learn that every fan of calcio was also -without exception- a die hard Baggio fan.
As an aspiring soccer player, trying to star on my high school team with all my might – I turned to Baggio. I purchased his career highlight vhs in the Le Stelle di Calcio series title Baggio – il Divin Codino and watched it
religiously, studying and learning each of his moves and using them to great effect against my opponents on the pitch.
I had even purchased his autobiography, Una Porta nel Cielo (written in Italian) and had my father read and translate it to me – a little bit each night – until he grew tired of the scholarly undertaking and I was forced to become a strong Italian language scholar myself to continue learning from Baggio in his own words.
Being a die-hard Roby Baggio fan has shaped a lot of my young life! Will there ever be another like him.. Surely not. I hope that he will turn to manage the nerazzurri sometime soon.
An American obsessed with European Football (soccer in USA) ? and their Jerseys?? . That me , it began in the 2009-2010 Champions league Tournament when I was flipping through the TV channels I came across a soccer game. Pausing just for a moment thinking it was just a simple soccer game I became intrigued when I realized it was inter Milan with Pirelli across the Jersey. Being of Italian origin and always insisting on Pirelli tires on my sports cars (mostly Jaguars,BMW,s and porches) I left the game on and learned it was Barcelona Vs Inter in the semi finals of this thing they called the champions league. I had never heard of it before. I knew of the world cup and that England like Italy was a popular football country but became instantly fascinated by the fact that the best teams from the European countries had a tournament.
See here in the USA our two most popular sports Baseball and what we call Football are limited. There are not many other countries that have baseball and football teams and certainly not with the caliber of players in the US leagues. So the thought of the best teams from various countries playing for a champions cup truely inspired me not to mention the variety of Jerseys the teams wore. That same day I watched Inter defeat Barcelona I went to the UEFA website they advertised on the TV and purchased several champions league jerseys. When they arrived, like a kid at Christmas I instantly opened the jerseys and was unbelievably surprised how awesome they were. From there it became an instant obsession, hobby, addiction and unexpectedly turning into a collection of over 600 jerseys to date. The Champions league tournament is by far one of the world’s greatest sporting events. This year my hopes are on Bayern Munich to make it to the finals. The Allianz arena Bayern Munich’s home stadium. If Bayern makes it to the finals it will be a historical event that rarely ever happens in sports.
Back to the Jerseys. There are hundreds of .com companies that claim to have the newest Kits, widest selection and so on. I have found some of my most prized jerseys in small town soccer shops and a very few web based sites. The neat thing about the small town shops they usually have a jersey or two that dates back several years still in brand new condition.
One web based company that I found to be truly awesome is MM Sports. Based in Denmark I was a little skeptical at first until in the contact us section there was a phone number. Something you rarely see on any website. So I placed my first order and within a week it arrived. Pleased with my purchase and always on the lookout for rare or sold out jerseys I placed a phone call to MM Sports asking if they were able to find a couple jerseys I couldn’t find anyware . So I called Denmark and spoke with Mikkell who was professional and very friendly. To my surprise in just a few days an email appeared telling me he found what I was looking for. MM Sports are amazing people with a sincere desire to get what you need the way you want it. Personal service at a level that leaves you with a wonderful feeling as if you were a king. Some of my favorite Jerseys came from MM Sports.
What is so special about a football jersey you ask. What is not special about a jersey I respond. The variety of Manufacturers, materials and clubs are endless. Wearing a Bayern Munich special black Champions league jersey with the special Lextra Starball on one arm and the Honors 4 trophy on the other sleeve can be intoxicating which I was only able to get from MM Sports. Soccer.com, World soccershop and others all say preorder with no expected delivery date. Well my friends I have several in a variety of sizes thanks to MM sports taking the time to satisfy a customer halfway around the world.
The jerseys and the Champions League are the main focus of what I’m writing.
I love everything about it.
By the MM Sports Ambassador Sean Moran
Why do you support your current favorite club?
–I support Real Madrid because as a kid growing up in the United States I was never able to watch soccer and at the age of 10years old my first game I saw on TV was a Real Madrid game. Ever since that game I have followed the club and would never route for another club in Spain.
Which piece of advice would you offer your club if you were present at a board meeting?
– As of right now I really don’t have much of anything to say except to find a way to stop Lionel Messi and Barcelona.
What is the low point of the club while you have followed it?
-One of the lowest points of the club for me was when Real Madrid was sent out of the Champions league by Arsenal FC on February 27 2006. Because I felt that they had the talent to take the Champions League title and fell short.
What is the high point?
– The high point for Real Madird during my time of following the club was when they won the Champions League in 2001-2002 against German side Bayern Leverkusen.
Which is/are your favorite jersey(s) from your club?
-2007 away jersey
 |
When you were a kid which player would you like to become? or who was your favorite player ?
-My favorite player as a kid was not a player for Real Madrid it was Dennis Bergkamp from Arsenal FC. This was because when I saw him play I saw how skilled and smooth of a player he was and just new if I played soccer I would model my game after him.
What is the greatest experience you had with your club – team?
-Unfortunately I haven’t been able to see my club play live. But I hope to travel to Europe and watch them play one day.
-Why do you support your current favorite club ?
Arsenal and Barcelona along with Bilbao and Valencia (+ spain, dutch and french national teams). I also follow Sevilla and Tottenham, though since there are only so many hours in the day I don’t follow them as closely. I think the common bond is inventive play (excluding France and, surprisingly, holland this last world cup – I followed Holland since the early 90’s and this past team was a bunch of thugs that had nothing in common with the euro 2008 team and the WC team of 98 – the team with davids, bergkamp, stam, the brothers de boer, overmars, etc?).
-Which piece of advice would you offer your club if you were present at a board meeting ?
I’m not very good with this type of question. I guess, maintain an emphasis on winning but not at the expense of creative play (because there are plenty of italian style teams already).
-What is the low point of the club while you have followed it ?
Newcastle’s comeback vs. Arsenal January/Feb 2011. Arsenal seemed primed to challenge for the league, champions league, etc. and that was the moment it all came undone. Barcelona’s loss to Inter in the Champions league a few seasons back. Not only did Inter not have the courage to actually play the game, Bojan’s last minute score to bring barca back from the brink was disallowed (the calls always go against poor mourinho, or so he continues to insist).
-What is the high point ?
Barcelona’s 5-0 win last season and comeback win last December vs Madrid. Arsenal’s entertaining play in the winter of 2010.
-Which is/are your favorite jersey(s) from your club ?
Barcelona’s anniversary jersey 3 or 4 years ago. Nice collar, straight forward stripes and no “qatar foundation” (and similarly detalied jersey’s a few other years around that time). Recent shirts have gotten lame (please get rid of that bland crew collar).
-When you were a kid which player would you like to become ? or who was your favorite player ?
I actually played lacrosse as a kid and young adult and started getting into soccer after my playing days were past. I’ve always liked the playmakers – iniesta and xavi, of course, but guys like jesus navas (his was the charge up the right wing that led to the spainish wc win), overmars (in years past) and others.
Q&A with MM Sports’ Barca ambassador Gerard A. Banez
-Why do you support your current favorite club ?
(1) I support Barca because of its attractive, possession-oriented, tiki-taka style of play; its commitment to youth dev’t and policy of developing and promoting its youth team players; and the club’s commitment to huminatarian values & efforts.
-Which piece of advice would you offer your club if you were present at a board meeting?
(2) With all the club’s success over the past several yrs, the board must be doing a lot of things right. If there was one suggestion I would give, it would be to incorporate more B-team players into La Liga games during the regular season. La Liga games would provide good opportunity to the B players, enhancing their dev’t and providing them with the experience needed to contribute when they play more regularly. I think the B players would be hungry and provide good energy. This practice would also give the starters some rest and possibly eliminate some of the complacency and pedestrian efforts that have been seen this yr. I have no doubt that Barca is still the best in the world, but I doubt that they will win La Liga this yr because of these issues. The team will play well in big games, like a CL final, but struggle in less important ones. A sprinkling of B players now and again could help in the present and also serve as an investment in the future.
-What is the low point of the club while you have followed it?
(3) Not many lows, but I would point to the slips against inferior squads, mostly in La Liga this yr.
-What is the high point ?
(4) Highs would definitely include the many championships won. This yr alone would include the run from the CL final, the Super Cups, to the FIFA Club World Cup. Moreover, I would point to the commitment and execution of the Barca style of play and the joy that team members appear to have playing with one another.
-Which is/are your favorite jersey(s) from your club ?
(5) Xavi & Iniesta.
-When you were a kid which player would you like to become ? or who was your favorite player ?
(6) Growing up in the US when there was very little soccer, I still remember getting caught up in Pele & the NY Cosmos of the old NASL. I also liked an American soccer player, probably the best of that era, by the name of Kyle Rote Jr. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would love to grow up to be Xavi or Iniesta, who, in my opinion, are the two best midfielders in the world. If only my body would cooperate.
Q&A with MM Sports’ FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden.
-Why do you support your current favorite club ?
I first came to love football while watching the World Cup. I was impressed with the Germans, and really started supporting Bayern because I recognized so many great players from Die Nationalelf.
-Which piece of advice would you offer your club if you were present at a board meeting?
Invest in better central defenders! When everyone is fit, each part of the Bayern squad could be considered World Class, with the exception of the central defense. Badstuber is a great passer, but often falters in defense. Boateng is athletic and strong, but needs to mature. If Bayern want to consistently compete in the Champion’s league, they need an experienced top-quality centre half to shore things up at the back.
-What is the low point of the club while you have followed it?
Inter knocking Bayern out of the 2011 Champion’s League…I don’t think I can ever forgive Goran Pandev 😉
-What is the high point ?
I’ll hold off on this one until Bayern win the CL at the Allianz this year 🙂
-Which is/are your favorite jersey(s) from your club?
The 2007 Home kits were great, but my favorite has to be Bayern’s black Euro away kits this year- simple and intimidating.
-When you were a kid which player would you like to become ? or who was your favorite player ?
Miro Klose – quite possibly the most underrated striker in world football. Even at the age of 33, he’s still one of the best
Read more from the FC Bayern ambassador by clicking the links below. Each leads to an interesting review of an FC Bayern product.
Click here to read the FC Bayern DVD and CD review!
Click here to read the FC Bayern hoody review!
Click here to read the FC Bayern hat and scarf review!
Click here to read the FC Bayern t-shirt review!
Click here to read the FC Bayern away jersey review!
Click here to read the FC Bayern home jersey review!
Enjoy! and be welcome to post your comment also.