Manchester City have unveiled their new kit ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 campaign, which pays homage to club legend Colin Bell and City's swashbuckling sides of the late 1960s.
The strip is a throwback to past designs with the club crest boldly moved to the centre of the shirt. City will still be wearing their classic light blue, but the shirt has maroon trimming around the neck and sleeve cuffs. The kit has been inspired by Bell, who helped City to domestic glory and the European Cup Winners' Cup during his iconic 14-year spell in Manchester.
Bell - who netted 14 goals in 35 appearances in 1968 to fire City to their first league title in 31 years - sadly passed away in January 2021. And the man affectionately dubbed as 'Colin the King' has been honoured by City and kit manufacturers Puma, who have included a crown on the neckline of the new shirt.
City's new kit also honours the iconic teams that Bell played in during the late 60s; a period where City also clinched a further two League Cups and the FA Cup to go with their European exploits.
Jon Bell, Colin’s son, revealed that his family were touched by the "beautiful gesture" City have made by honouring the former star with their new strip. Bell told Manchester City: "As a family, we’re incredibly touched that the club and Puma have chosen to remember the teams of the late 1960’s and my dad with next season’s Home kit – it’s a beautiful gesture.
"It really captures the history and togetherness of Manchester City as a club, and I hope the fans like it and can remember those great moments."
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City's current crop of superstars are bidding to emulate Bell by clinching another domestic crown on Sunday. Pep Guardiola's side are in pole position to retain their Premier League title ahead of Liverpool.
However, with the Reds currently just one point behind them, City know that nothing less than a win will do if they are to secure their fourth title in five years. City host Aston Villa at the Etihad while Liverpool will lock horns with Wolves to try and overhaul City's slender lead.
And Guardiola has fired an early warning to their title rivals - declaring this his team are ready to give "all of their lives" to seal the title this weekend. The City chief said: "I can assure you something – that we will give them all of our lives to do it. It’s an incredible privilege to have the chance to become champions in front of our people at home and I’m looking forward to it."
