Have adidas Lured Fernando Torres and Juan Mata?
There was a massive shock in the boot world this weekend, as leading Nike athlete Fernando Torres stunned all by opting to wear adidas Predator football boots. Such a move could potentially signal a major coup by adidas, who may have lured Spain and Chelsea team-mates Fernando Torres and Juan Mata.
Fernando Torres has been a Nike wearer for over a decade playing at the highest level. For Nike, Torres has been a beacon in front of the world's media, as he enjoyed success with adidas-branded Spain, Liverpool and Chelsea. But something in the relationship between player and brand has changed, and for the first time we saw Fernando Torres tie the laces on an adidas Predator.
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Reports at the moment are speculation, with neither adidas or Nike commenting on the striker's footwear, but for the rumour mill there's plenty to talk about. It could be with Fernando's indifferent form recently, he wants to freshen things up with new football boots. Alternatively, after the success Nike and Torres have enjoyed - including a World Cup, European Championship, European Cup and FA Cup - the two are happy to mutually part ways as rumours of the imminent demise of the T90 continue.
Nike are undoubtedly shaking things up with their footwear, and the coupling of Fernando Torres' shock switch with that of Juan Mata's, could suggest the changes are not to every players liking. Torres has long been a fan of the T90 range, but if the decision has been made to cease production, then the replacement might not be to Fernando's liking. Whilst for Mata, playing the midfield position in the Premier League might call for more robust footwear.
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If either player is currently hesitant on their football boots, then adidas have acted swiftly to tempt the two major stars, who both play for major adidas assets Spain and Chelsea. Such a coming together would be a marketing dream for the Three Stripes; to promote football boots, football kit, player, club and country all through Torres and Mata. 
But of course for a player, performance comes first. So eye's will be fixed on the Chelsea training ground and upcoming fixtures, to see the choice of footwear and future boot developments of Fernando Torres and Juan Mata. Whilst at SoccerBible, we'll be asking our inside contacts at Nike and adidas for any information we're allowed to share.
In the mean time, we'd love to hear your opinions on why Torres and Mata have switched football boots, and what you think of their choices? Join in the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
