Arsene Wenger’s Claret Army?

Inspired by the first kit ever worn at the ground in 1913, the strip will be one of many initiatives to celebrate the Club’s time at Highbury. 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 deeper shade for one season only - the very last season at Highbury - to recreate and reflect the origins of this unique stadium.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is delighted with the initiative: “It will be very emotional when we move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium and it is great that the Club is finding ways to celebrate our last season at this fantastic stadium. Personally, I love the fact the team will be wearing a home kit that is inspired by the first one ever worn at Highbury. It’s not only a way of encapsulating more than 90 years of memories, it also takes us right back to when we started at this ground in 1913.”

Club captain Patrick Vieira is also looking forward to remembering Highbury in this unique style: “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.”

Finally, Thierry Henry, who will be hoping to be wearing the new kit as the Club’s record goalscorer next season, agrees with his Manager and skipper :”I think the kit is great. It’s back to the roots, back to what the first kit was like,” said Thierry. “I like the fact that it’s traditional and it is exactly how it was at the beginning of Highbury. This is the proper colour, right from the start of our time here, I’m sure people will appreciate that and will like it.”