I Try To Wear Them For As Long As I Can - Kit Talk With Bastian Schweinsteiger
Jan 2, 2017, by Chris
Bastian Schweinsteiger is the latest player to answer Man Utd's 'Kit Talk' questions after Ander Herrera already revealed that has been wearing the same shin pads since he was eight years old in Manchester United's first Kit Talk. The Kit Talk series ask Manchester United's players about the secrets of their boots, jerseys and other gear.
Kit Talk: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Here is the full interview of Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Why do you wear things in a certain way, such as long sleeves or tucking your shirt in?
There is a reason why I do something – my socks. I like thin socks. Sometimes, I have to prepare them wet so they become much more thin. I try to get a lot of feeling into my foot. It's a thing I started to do seven or eight years ago and I still do it.
How does that work? Do you bring your own socks in or is it done in the changing room beforehand?
Sometimes I bring my own socks or Adidas help me but, for example, if we have a game, I can do it on my own and also prepare my boots before the game. I do it on my own because it's mine and I want to perform so it's better to do it myself.
Does that make a difference psychologically or does it give you a different feeling?
I can feel it's different. I have a different feeling when I touch the ball and when I run.
And it's something you've only done for the past eight years or so?
Yes, in the last eight years I've started to do that. With some players, I don't know, maybe they think about which boots they are going to wear for the games for the same rhythm. I also have the same rhythm in the way I prepare myself for the games.
Do you have any other superstitions or pre-match rituals?
Not really. There are maybe some who do but not me.
Do you change your boots regularly?
I have different pairs but, actually, when I wear boots which are good and fit very comfortably, I try to wear them for as long as I can. Yes, sometimes, I can wear them for two, three or four months.
Some players have personalised shinpads, do you?
Yes, I also have my own shinpads. Adidas created special shinpads for me and they are perfect; not big but they protect me. They are thin but protective and that's good, especially when you have a lot of tackles and you feel different.
Do Adidas provide special help and care for you?
They do. I have to say they are a German company [laughs] so that is why! They are great and you can talk to them about everything. They try to do their best and really listen to your ideas.
How does that work? Do people come to the training ground to meet you one-to-one?
Yes, exactly. There is one person who is ready for us, 24 hours, and when you have anything you need to talk to them about, if you need different socks or something else, you just can call him up and ask him.
Why do you wear the no.31?
Actually, since I played my first game for Munich, I had the same number. I don't know why they gave me that. At the end of the day, I came to the dressing room and there was a shirt with my name on it and that number. I still have this number on my back but it doesn't really have a story behind it, it just happened.
Do you keep any shirts from your opponents?
Yes, especially when I started to become a professional player, I kept some shirts and I changed with some big players. I keep them at home in a box.
Do you have any plans for what you might want to do with them later on?
Maybe show ones to my own children and my brother is also a big fan, especially of Ryan Giggs. When I played for Bayern against United I asked Ryan at half-time if I could have his shirt for my brother. So it makes some people happy and that is, more or less, the reason why I do it.
Do you have a favourite United kit from the past?
I am addicted to the red shirt. I like the colour red. I am a fan of red, white and black. I think it is the best kit for United.
Do you have any pre-match rituals? Let us know in the comments below.
OH Leuven 26-27 Away Kit Released
Belgian Pro League club Oud-Heverlee Leuven have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 away kit. Made by Jako, the new shirt introduces a bold dark look for the upcoming domestic campaign.
The Jako OH Leuven 2026-27 away shirt features a black base with deep green vertical stripes and vibrant orange pinstripes running down the body. Dark green detailing appears on the collar and sleeve cuffs, while the Jako logo and club crest are centrally positioned on the chest.
What do you think of the new OH Leuven 2026-27 away kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
New Material for UEFA Champions League Patches?
Based on images from Manchester United's recent posts, it appears that the Starball and UEFA Foundation sleeve patches for the 26-27 UEFA Champions League might be moving away from the traditional velvet material. Instead, they seem to feature a noticeably thinner and flatter composition.
Without high-resolution close-ups, the exact material specifications cannot be fully confirmed just yet.
However, this potential shift remains unconfirmed, as other clubs have not displayed this change. Real Betis, for instance, still appeared with standard velvet-textured patches during their recent 26-27 Champions League portrait photoshoot sessions.
We will have to wait for official confirmation and close-up looks once the competition gets underway. Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for the collage.
Almere City 26-27 Cup Kit Released
Dutch club Almere City have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 Cup kit. Made by Craft, the special “HANASAKA!” shirt celebrates the club’s connection with Japan through owner Yanmar and the Yanmar Hanasaka International Youth Cup, an U19 tournament organised by Almere City at the Yanmar Stadion.
The Craft Almere City 2026-27 Cup shirt features a black base with subtle tonal cherry blossom branch motifs across the front. Mint green and pastel pink details add contrast, with a mint crew-neck collar and sponsor branding joined by a pink monochrome club crest, Craft logo and sleeve trims.
What do you think of the new Almere City 2026-27 Cup kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Sutton United 26-27 Third Kit Released
English club Sutton United and kit manufacturer VX3 have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 2026-27 campaign. Themed around the slogan "Where Passion Blooms," the release pays homage to the local area's historic lavender fields and was presented alongside players from the Sutton United Women's squad.
The VX3 Sutton United 26-27 third shirt is predominantly light lavender purple, paired with contrasting dark purple raglan sleeves and a matching polo collar. A monochrome purple club badge sits on the left chest, complemented by dark purple sponsor logos and an embroidered sprig of lavender on the upper back just below the neckline.
The new third kit completes Sutton United's kit set for the 2026-27 season alongside their previously released home and away strips.
Plymouth Argyle 26-27 Third Kit Released
Puma and Plymouth Argyle have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Designed to make a bold visual impact on the pitch, the new strip brings back a vibrant tangerine look for the Pilgrims.
The Puma Plymouth Argyle 2026-27 third jersey combines a vivid orange base with contrasting black trim across the collar, shoulders, and cuffs. The front proudly features a monochrome black version of Argyle's iconic Mayflower crest, accompanied by black Puma cat branding and sponsor detailing from Lighthouse Charity.
The new third kit is available immediately via Argyle's official online store and in-person retail locations.
Catania FC 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian club Catania FC and technical sponsor Erreà have officially launched their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Arriving as part of the brand's "COLORI DEI TERRITORI" collection, the release completes the club's full wardrobe for the new campaign following the earlier debuts of their volcanic-themed third and traditional rossazzurri home strips.
The Erreà Catania 2026-27 away shirt is predominantly white, accented with dark grey detailing along the thick V-neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and shoulder trims. Across the front and sleeves, the jersey incorporates a subtle tonal graphic pattern inspired by local Catanese heritage and the city's iconic elephant symbol.
The new Catania FC 26-27 away uniform is completed with matching shorts and socks and is available now through the club's official retail channels.
FC Penafiel 26-27 Away Kit Released
Portuguese Liga Portugal 2 side FC Penafiel have officially launched their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Produced by Nike, the secondary strip arrives two weeks after the release of the club's traditional red-and-black home jersey.
The Nike FC Penafiel 2026-27 away shirt is predominantly white, highlighted by a classic horizontal chest band in red that is bordered by thin black stripes. A black polo-style collar with a front insert adds a refined touch to the design. The Nike Swoosh and FC Penafiel crest are placed inside the red chest hoop, while the ABANCA sponsor logo appears in black across the midriff.
White shorts with black detailing and white socks round off the clean look of the new FC Penafiel 26-27 away uniform, which is already available to purchase through the club's official channels.
