Introducing the Nike Mercurial 98, celebrating 10 years of the Nike Mercurial football boot

Marking the 10-year anniversary of the first Mercurial, football boot brand Nike has created a special version of the iconic football boot. The Nike Mercurial 98 represents the history that has joined Ronaldo and Nike - a history marked by tradition and innovation. This 10th anniversary football boot keeps to the same colour and materials of the first Mercurial, but incorporates the technical features of the current Nike Mercurial Vapor III.

The AC Milan striker will debut the Nike Mercurial 98 football boots in the Italian Serie A on his return from injury.

Throughout Ronaldo’s partnership with Nike, the Brazilian striker has worn the same football boots - the Nike Mercurial Vapor. The four goals for Brazil in France in 1998. The eight goals to fuel the World Cup victory in 2002. The 68 goals in his first three seasons with Real Madrid. The record-setting 15th World Cup goal in 2006. Over the last ten years, Ronaldo has become an icon in world football. The all time highest world cup goal scorer, two times World Cup winner, and three times FIFA World Player of the Year has revolutionised the way football is played; the way strikers play and score. He has run faster with the ball than anyone else and he has made goals a habit. Ronaldo’s speed, exceptional talent, technique, strength and clinical finishing has been one long goal-scoring masterclass.

Ronaldo was the first player to wear the first Nike Mercurial Vapor, which was a new direction for football boot design. Using Teijin synthetic micro fibre uppers with ball control coating they were the lightest football boots Nike had ever made. These boots were also the very first to personify a new kind of design direction and aesthetic, through materials, colours and shape.

Ronaldo commented: “I can’t wait to wear these football boots. I’ve enjoyed every single goal that I’ve scored so far and I look forward to scoring more in these special boots. Speed and acceleration are key to my game and I have worked closely with Nike to develop football boots that help me perform to the highest level that I can, but also look really cool.”

Only one thousand pairs of the Mercurial 98 football boots have been produced worldwide and will be on sale from December at selected football retailers.

Price: £120
Sizes: 6-12
Available: December 2007