Chelsea unveil new home kit for 2021/22 season
By Tom Gott
Chelsea have unveiled their new 60's-inspired home kit for the 2021/22 season, wearing it for the first time in the FA Cup final defeat against Leicester.
The design, which has left fans divided, had been circulating on social media for months now, and the launch video even managed to leak its way on to Twitter before the official announcement was released by the club.
It's that time of the season. ??
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 13, 2021
Introducing our new 2021/22 @NikeFootball home kit. Inspired by the 60s, but as fresh as they come ? ft. @TheZombiesMusic#ItsAChelseaThing #ThePrideOfLondon pic.twitter.com/aPpMtgcdJF
The worst-kept secret was finally let out of the bag when Chelsea have unveiled the new shirt, revealing the retro-inspired design in a sufficiently dated promo video on their official website.
It's a bit of a weird one. It's still as blue as ever, but with two different designs across the front. Most of the shirt is a vertical zig-zag, but the left shoulder changes to a chequered pattern which is carried over on to the back.
There is also yellow accents to be found on the shirt, including a bold stripe down both sides which has been used to accentuate the retro vibe.
The shirt was worn for the first time as Chelsea took on Leicester in the FA Cup final at Wembley, a game they would lose 1-0 thanks to Youri Tielemans' blockbuster second half goal.
Emma Hayes' Women's side will also wear the shirt in their Champions League final against
Barcelona, and the release video prominently featured three of their marquee stars - FWA Women's Footballer of the Year, Fran Kirby, prolific goalscorer Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder.
Although not confirmed, it's likely Thomas Tuchel's side will now wear the shirt for the rest of the campaign, games that include a Champions League final against Manchester City.
Back in the 2008 final, Chelsea whipped out their new home shirt, which immediately became a bad omen as John Terry's scuffed penalty saw the Blues miss out to Manchester United on the biggest stage imaginable.
The Blues will hope that this 60's-inspired design comes with more luck. Chelsea have fond memories of that era, which saw youthful stars like Ron Harris, Peter Bonetti and Bobby Tambling emerge to fire the team back to relevancy after years of struggles.
Chelsea's home shirt is now available for Nike members to purchase through the brand's official store. Adult shirt prices begin from £69.95, while children's kits can be picked up for £49.95.