Drogba will wear the
innovative, striking new boot as he looks to bring the cup home for football
fans in Ivory Coast.
Following the official reveal last week, the
new Nike Mercurial Vapor IX is dominating the football pitches all over the
world. Some of the fastest players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Theo Walcott,
and Mario Götze are stepping out in their new boots, delivering striking style
and speed for game changing moments.
While
snow fails to cool down the game in the European leagues, the South African
heat is firing up Africa’s teams as they compete in the biggest continental
tournament. Didier Drogba’s AFCON journey started on a high note yesterday with
Ivory coast’s 2-1 win over Togo. He has won all major titles with his club and
is hoping to finally bring the cup home for football fans in Ivory Coast.
“It
would mean a lot for Ivory Coast to win the competition this year because the
team has been together for nearly 10 years through difficult moments. We’ve
improved and matured as players and as people," Drogba said. "I think
it would be the best moment to win for our nation. For us to look forward,
forget the past struggles and to unite the country."
Celebrating
the momentum in Drogba’s career, he will be the only player in the African
tournament wearing the sunset colourway of the new Nike Mercurial Vapor IX.
Since its original launch over 10 years ago, the Mercurial has always stood
out. Bold and exciting, the boot’s color and design has always ensured its
players are noticed. The new Vapor IX is no different. “For a striker, speed is
essential. How fast you run, how fast you are with the ball, how quick you are
making decisions - everything has to be quick," Drogba says. "It all
comes down to speed. I’ve been wearing the Mercurial for years and you can see
and feel the evolution. With the new Mercurial Vapor IX you get better grip on
the grass and can change direction very quickly. For example, that last minute
of last year’s game -- that equalizer goa -l- was a question of timing, speed
and agility."
Combining
performance innovation and heritage of lightweight boots for fast players, the
Nike Mercurial Vapor IX takes this legacy to the next level and gives a
competitive advantage to players who rely on tight cuts and turns combined with
bursts of explosive speed to beat the opposition.
Featured
in striking fireberry and sunset colorways, the boot makes a bold statement on
pitch. Both colorways will be available for pre-order on January 18 and on
January 31 at Nike.com and retailers worldwide.
