Top: Jens Lehmann; Arsene Wenger; Dennis Bergkamp. Middle: Gilberto Silva; Patrick Vieira; Thierry Henry. Bottom: Ashley Cole; Freddie Ljungberg. The players show off the strip to be worn throughout the 2005/2006 season - Arsenal’s last season at Highbury — which is inspired by the first one ever worn at the ground in 1913.
Club captain Patrick Vieira said: 'The last season at Highbury will be very, very special for everyone at the Club not to mention the fans. That's why I think it is fantastic that we will be wearing a commemorative kit that represents the history of this magnificent stadium. The kit is different to the red and white one we have become so attached to but this special season deserves a special kit and having seen it, I for one think that going back to the first ever kit from 1913 is a really nice touch."
Club research and sporting memorabilia within the Arsenal Museum confirm the very first kit worn at the stadium was a much darker red, similar to that of Sparta Prague, who actually based their kit on Arsenal's original kit way back in 1906. The Club is returning to this redcurrant shade for one season only, to recreate and reflect the origins of this unique stadium.
The commemorative kit is being manufactured by Arsenal’s kit suppliers Nike, and is one of many initiatives coordinated to celebrate the Club's time at Arsenal Stadium. For full information on Arsenal’s Open Days please refer to Arsenal.com for updates in the coming weeks.
