Manchester City have unveiled their new away kit for the 2024-25 season and are set to pay homage to the 25th anniversary of their sensational play-off final comeback in 1999.
Some have credited that game to have been a change in the tides of Man City's fortunes, with former striker Paul Dickov scoring an equaliser in the fifth minute of injury time to help his side come back from going 2-0 down against Gillingham, to send the game to extra time and penalties.
City, sporting an eye-catching fluorescent yellow, black and blue striped shirt would go on to clinch victory in the shootout, 3-1, with Joe Royle's side sealing promotion to the First Division.
City would go on to clinch back-to-back promotions after coming second in the First Division behind Charlton Athletic and seal their return to English football's top-flight after a five-year hiatus.
In homage to their iconic Wembley comeback, City have re-purposed the classic design of the eye-catching away jersey they wore during the 1998-99 season for this season's away kit and have given it a modern twist.
Former Man City striker Paul Dickov has unveiled the club's new away jersey for next season
City will pay homage to their 1999 play-off final winning side through the shirt's classic design
Dickov scored a 95th-minute equaliser during the final against Gillingham to send the game to extra-time
The shirt, which is designed by sports apparel brand PUMA, was unveiled on Thursday by the club on Instagram, with City posting a picture of Dickov, 51, modelling the jersey, with the caption: 'Nostalgia hit.'
While the kit will act as a nod to City's 1999 play-off final heroics, it is also designed with sustainability in mind. The replica jerseys will be made using RE:FIBRE initiative which incorporates recycled textile waste to help create new materials.
Dickov went on to return 37 goals across 188 appearances for Man City and in recent years has been working as a club ambassador. Speaking on the launch of the new kit, he said in a statement to Man City's website: 'It’s fantastic to see this year’s away kit revealed today.
'The 1999 Play-Off final victory still remains a special moment for myself and City fans around the world and I know the kit from that day is remembered by those who were there and beyond.
Laia Aleixandri and several other starsof the club were pictured modelling the new away kit
After their play off final heroics, City would go on to secure promotion back to the Premier League the following season
'It’s a wonderful gesture by the Club and PUMA to commemorate the anniversary with this year's away kit,' Dickov said
'It’s a wonderful gesture by the Club and PUMA to commemorate the anniversary with this year’s away kit.'
PUMA's senior head of Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel, Marco Mueller, added: 'This kit symbolizes a defining moment in Manchester City’s history and the relentless spirit of its fans.
'Our goal was to create a jersey that honours the past while using the latest in performance technology to meet the needs of today’s athletes and supporters.
'We’re proud to bring back a design that holds such significance and to do so with a sustainable approach.'
Dickov was joined by several of the club's current players, including Jess Park, Laia Aleixandri, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic, who were also pictured modelling the kit.
Man City shot-stoppers, Khiara Keating and Ederson also showed off the luminous orange goalkeeper kit.
The shirt is also said to be made from sustainable materials using PUMA's RE:FIBRE initiative
Ederson was also pictured modelling the goalkeeper strip, which comes in a bright orange colour
The Premier League champions will begin the defence of their league title with a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea on Sunday, August 18.
Prior to then, they'll take on their city rivals, Manchester United, in the FA Community Shield this Saturday.