Puma Sign Yaya Toure
It hasn't gone unnoticed here at SoccerBible, in recent weeks Yaya Toure has been sporting a new pair of football boots.Having recently announced a string of high profile player partnerships including Sergio Kun AgÜero, Falcao and Cesc FÀbregas, Puma have done it again and pulled off quite a coup in the boots community.
Puma announced the long-term signing of the CÔte d'Ivoire and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, who over recent years has been quite particular over his boot choice. Ahead of the official reveal SB sat down with Yaya and we'll be bringing you that exclusive chat later, but speaking about the new partnership Yaya said: I am very excited about this new partnership with Puma and the work we will be able to do together to give children in Africa the chance to play football.
"I have chosen to partner with PUMA because of the strong ties the brand has in Africa, they are the best company to help me provide these projects with football equipment. In under-privileged areas of Africa, football is a way for children to enjoy themselves and be healthy, for some it is also a way to a better life as it was for me. I am very happy to be working with Puma on this.
This new partnership is different to most others. Puma s commitment to the partnership is to provide Yaya TourÉ with large product allocations each year, all of which will be distributed to under-privileged children in West Africa. The Ivory Coast international has a strong personal interest in projects that give children the opportunity and encouragement to play football in his homeland that will now benefit from multiple donations of Puma football apparel, boots and equipment.
The first major installment of product will be ahead of the 2012 Orange African Cup of Nations in January, to further inspire children to get involved with the sport. Combining Yaya s passion for the child welfare and the development of football in Africa with PUMA s historical connection and support for the continent, is the perfect basis for this new partnership.
Puma have confirmed Yaya will be wearing the v1.11 football boots, and it hasn't escaped our attention the customisation on Yaya's boots. Seemingly the material used to construct the heel counter is different to standard versions, as well as there being two additional studs on the heel. So we'll be keeping an eye on-pitch to see if these versions are indeed the ones Yaya will wear.
Yaya Toure joins Cesc Fabregas, Sergio AgÜero, Radamel Falcao, Samuel Eto o, Mario Gomez, Ibrahim Afalley, Loic Remy and other lead players as part of Puma's growing squad. So what do you think of Puma's growing army of footballing talent and stay tuned for our exclusive chat with Yaya. Share your opinions with the SoccerBible community online.
