My inbox has been absolutely slammed lately with press releases and jargon and all of which point to the fugly and possibly camp new Nike Mercurial Vapor II colourways that have been:

“…designed to the exact specification of Cristiano Ronaldo”

REALLY!? All the money in the world and Nike’s brilliant (now questionable) designers at his fingertips and this is what Cristiano Ronaldo’s “exact specifications” were!?
Please just come out with it already!

A year round tan I can deal with; metrosexuality that makes even David Beckham look like a neanderthal, hey I respect that; LEOPARD PRINT FOOTBALL BOOTS!!!… *Slaps forehead* OK now he’s just taking the piss!

Surely this is a joke right and another pair of boots are going to come shooting out of these images… please let that be the case! If not, these could possibly be theeeeeeeeeee worst boots Nike has ever put it’s slick swoosh on. This is a massive Nike = FAIL moment.

As for CRon… dude, pack your glow sticks, tighty whiteys and leopard print boots and head for the Jersey Shore, there’s no doubt Mike ‘The Situation’ and his crew will be able to accommodate you there; or simply stay in Madrid, I only recently found out it was considered Europe’s gay capital… which actually explains a lot more than just these boots.

On a side note, why is Ronaldo going on Safari in October anyway? Wasn’t everyone else in Africa in June?… I know I was!

It was all part of Nike’s Write History campaign, but I can’t help but feel partly responsible for the Ultra-violet purple and orange colourway of the new Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II. You see, some time ago, I put together the PTP edition of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV’s in a plum colourway and ever since that post, I’ve been inundated with requests of when they’re being released and where they’ll be available… well Nike were listening in and without saying too much more, I believe that they heard your requests and this is partially the result.

A new, unique adaptive traction system designed for explosive acceleration. The Mercurial Vapor Superfly II also includes a reengineered upper for enhanced fit and ball control for fast feet while Nike say the vibrant ultra-violet color boosts visibility on the pitch.” Source Footy-boots.com

I love ‘em and I can’t wait to get my hands on’em.

*UPDATE* Hi-res images of the Nike Mercurial Superfly II launch have now been uploaded

Older Nike Mercurial news:
CR (No 9) At The Double – Olympique Marseille 1 v 3 Real Madrid
Lace Up, Save Lives – Designed to fight AIDS in Africa
Out Of Nowhere! Real Madrid 2 v 3 AC MIlan
Ronaldo In Nike Superfly – Black / Voltage Yellow
Freedom ‘Flys – Clint Dempsey – And his Nike Mercurial Supeflys
Rumour Mill – New Mercurial Superfly Colourway!

The launch of these bad boys may still only be 3 days away, but that didn’t stop me spotting them a mile away. Actually, to be Totally honest, it was Torres’ silky gold locks that got me all hot and bothered at first (reminded me of an old flame!)… more than anything though, I was surprised that he was back and training with Liverpool; perhaps to star in tonights match against the Viola?
Never the less, as you can see in the pictures, he’s wearing the new Total 90 Laser III’s and I’m not so sure I’m a fan of this particular colorway. Heck I thought they’d only recently revealed the T90 II’s! Anyway, on this new version, I’m not so sure of that gigantic T90 slapped on the heel, however one thing I am sure of is that with the likes of Torres and Rooney wearing these puppies, goals will be plentiful and popularity should skyrocket. Unfortunately, I won’t be jumping on the band wagon… although if anyone’s interested in persuading me otherwise, feel free to send a pair my way… you know strictly for testing purposes only and that kind’a thing.

What are your thoughts on these green beasts?

Cristiano Ronaldo was back to his menacing best last night against Marseille and much like a fly buzzing around your head while you tryAnd typ3 a p0st… oh, would you just F*** OFF!… he annoyed the shit out of the French defence and added two more to his ever growing sack’o'goals at Madrid.
On another note and I don’t mean to get all ‘Twilight Zone-y’ here, but did anyone notice the 9 missing from the CR on C-Ron’s boots? Is it something to be suss about? Could he be awaiting the retirement of Raul so as to claim the number 7 jersey or was it as simple as Nike ran out of stitching to add to his boots?
Dig deep enough and I reckon you may just answer the question of why Los Blancos tops were blank of any sponsorship too. Can anyone say, recession!?

Feel free to comment below or simply enjoy the match action in these images:

Match highlights:

If you’re like me and thought Didier Drogba was wearing (RED) laces in honour of Arsenal in last night’s match… then you’d better think again fool!

It’s time to stop wishing for a medical answer to Africa’s medical crisis. Because one already exists. And while it’s only part of a larger solution, it can help millions already dying from AIDS to live dramatically longer and fuller lives.

(NIKE)RED and players like Didier Drogba are helping change lives in Africa through football. And you can join them. Just put (NIKE)RED laces in your favourite boots, or shoes. Then spread the word on Facebook and Twitter.

There’s only one way to discuss a topic like this… so for once, I’ll leave it to the professionals. Eddie Murphy Delirious:

AIDS is scary ‘cos it kills motherfuckers, AIDS!
That ain’t like the good ol’ days when venereal disease was simple.
In the good old days, you got gonorhea, your dick hurt,
you go get a shot, cleared right up.
Then they came out with herpes… you keep that shit forever like luggage.
And now they got AIDS… that just kills motherfuckers!
I say what’s next, I guess you just put your dick in it and explodes !

NIKE & (RED) launch party pics and players wearing (RED) laces during the Arsenal v Chelsea match:

Until midway through the second half, I couldn’t understand how an attack of Ronaldinho, Seedorf, Pato and Inzaghi had only managed three shots at goal and none were on target! Then out of nothing and as unexpected as Iker Casillas’ goal keeping errors, Andear Pirlo snuck in a long range effort to put the Italians back in the game.

Cue Alexandre Pato and his Orn Blue weapons, as they were on hand to deliver the two deadly blows and give Milan a very surprising win… looks like coach Leonardo will live to lament another day. I wonder if AC will be able to back this result up with a win against “giants” Chievo this weekend!?

Match highlights:

Older AC Milan news:
Predictions – UCL – Matchday 3
Hey Galaxy, screw you! Beckham at Milan till end of season
Oh shut up Pipo! – Werder Bremen 1 v 1 AC Milan
Review – Derby della Madonnina – Internazionale 2 v 1 AC Milan

These bad boys may have a silly name, a mediocre design and a synthetic leather that mimics kangaroo leather, but if they can assist in 4 goals and even score a screamer on debut, then surely Nike have done something right again! Dammit, those guys are never wrong!… psst. Puma and Anelka take note, you might learn a thing or two!

Watch Fabergas and co. destroy Blackburn every time they venture forward, it’s bloody impressive…
Match highlights:

Older Nike news:
Ronaldo In Nike Superfly – Black / Voltage Yellow
Freedom ‘Flys – Clint Dempsey And his Nike Mercurial Supeflys
Confed Cup – Spain Through To Semis – Spain 1 v 0 Iraq
Rumour Mill – New Mercurial Superfly Colourway!
Weekend watch – Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly

So my prediction here was correct… and in case you’re wondering what I’m on about, yes Cristiano Ronaldo was revealed wearing the Black / Voltage Yellow Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s. Ha!

In more good news, apparently, a Nike executive recently confirmed that the company’s wish is to have all of their sponsored professionals playing in black based boots for the new season (claims made here)… which is great if you ask me, I think this colour way is brilliant! plus, I’ve been raving on for years about how boots have gone tooooooo multicoloured and I’ve longed for a time when they will be traditional once again. Now that this is the case, I think I will sleep easier tonight… as will C-Ron, on top of a big pile of money with many beautiful ladies… ah, it’s good to be the king!

Older Nike Mrecurial Superfly news:
Freedom ‘Flys – Clint Dempsey And His Nike Mercurial Supeflys
Rumour Mill: New Mercurial Superfly Colourway!
Weekend watch: Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly
Champions League – Second Leg – First Knockout Round Predictions – Wednesday
Spotlight: Ronaldo wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Spotlight: Drogba wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Coming soon: Nike Mercurial Superfly

As I sit here watching the final of the Confederations Cup unfold like an action packed episode of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, the U.S MNT sit 2-0 up against the might of Brazil… so once again, i am gob-smacked! Plus, given my earlier prediction of the match, don’t I feel like an ass at the moment!?
10min in and that man again, Clint ‘The Giant Killer’ Dempsey, wearing his all white Nike Superfly’s bagged the nights opening goal and his third of the tournament… I wonder if the US can keep this up!?
Follow my random comments of the match on Twitter.

UPDATE
Goal Highlight: Clint Dempsey’s goal

Older Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly news:
Rumour Mill: New Mercurial Superfly Colourway!
Weekend watch: Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly
Champions League – Second Leg – First Knockout Round Predictions – Wednesday
Spotlight: Ronaldo wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Spotlight: Drogba wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Coming soon: Nike Mercurial Superfly

Judging by the highlights below, it seemed as though Spain were the only team on the attack, whilst their opposition hid in caves continuously tried to catch them on the counter. With laser-like precision (or not), España hit their opposition with wave after wave of attack, almost like they were dropping bombs in the Middle East, so it doesn’t really surprise me that Iraq were on the receiving end again… will that country ever get a break!?

In totally unrelated news, I couldn’t help but comment on Fernando Torres in his new Orange Nike Total 90 Laser II’s. As a boot, they’re not really my cuppa tea, but they work for him and again tonight he was at his menacing best, whilst also in top form only days ago against New Zealand. At this pace, he’ll be raring to for season ’09-10 and if he stays fit and keeps this up, he’ll be unstoppable. Ole!

Match highlights:

Older Spain news:
Confed Cup – Spain Toy With NZ – New Zealand 0 v 5 Spain
International Friendly – Spain 2 v 0 England
Spain Crowned Champions of Europe!

Some real impressive rumours are being thrown around at the moment. Things like: Olive wreaths will be presented to the winners as opposed to medals, women playing harps will be seated in cages above areas of the grandstand and possibly my favourite of the bunch, tigers and Gladiators will be thrown onto the field if the match starts to get too defensive… you know, just to spice things up a little!
So anyway, I’ve decided to catch one of the rumours and run with it just to see how far I’ll get with it before I’m tackled to the ground and beaten to a pulp.
Turns out that C-Ron is being lined up to wear a newly released color way of the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s… which on second thought kind’a makes sense.
Last year in the final, both he and Drogba wore the carbon Vapors… a masterstroke by the brains at Nike, seeing as both players scored.
This year, United will be donning their all white strip which opens the suggestion that C-Rons boots will also be white. I know the orange would stand out more… but the white ones haven’t been seen before and I’d be bloody surprised if Nike didn’t use this opportunity to ram another product down our throats.
Well with less than six hours to go before the match kicks off, there isn’t long before we find out.

Older Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly news:
Weekend watch: Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly
Champions League – Second Leg – First Knockout Round Predictions – Wednesday
Spotlight: Ronaldo wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Spotlight: Drogba wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Coming soon: Nike Mercurial Superfly

I’ve hastily been scouring the internet over the last week or so, for images of all the players that were wearing Nike’s latest creations, the Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s and surprisingly like a police investigation at Tony Soprano’s house, the more I dug, the more I seem to find!
Here’s what I’ve got so far, feel free to add to the list if I’ve missed some players and I’ll source images to include in future posts.

Players so far:

Older Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly news:
Champions League – Second Leg – First Knockout Round Predictions – Wednesday
Spotlight: Ronaldo wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Spotlight: Drogba wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Coming soon: Nike Mercurial Superfly

I predict:
Barcelona 2 v 1 Lyon
Man. United 1 v 0 Internazionale
Porto 1 v 1 Atlético
Roma 1 v 1 Arsenal

Cristiano Ronaldo spotted at training on the 6th March wearing the Mercurial Superfly’s. There’s no doubt he’ll be wearing them this week in the UEFA Champions League second leg against Inter… and they’ll most likely be the Orange/Abyss/Silver ones [as pictured above].
My sources also tell me that C-Ron might not be only one who is wearing them and that the likes of Ibrahimovic, Drogba, Alves, Bentdner and Ribery could be showing them off around Europe via the UCL second leg.
This week promises to be massive!

Cristiano Ronaldo – Ignites Legends campaign:
Ignitions starts February… ?
I’ll assume it’s all the hype about the new boots

Older Nike Mercurial news:
Spotlight: Drogba wearing Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s
Coming soon: Nike Mercurial Superfly
Nike Mercurial Vapor IV – Charcoal/Orange/Silver
Spotlight: Nike Mercurial Vapor IV – Lime

With less than a month to go before these puppies go on sale to the public, Nike are without doubt getting their final preparations ready for release. With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Franck Ribery, and Dani Alves set to wear them in next week’s Uefa Champions League matches, it’s only common sense that the players get accustomed to their newest acquisitions. Pictured above is Drogba at training yesterday wearing an unmarked pair.

This newest line of super featherweight, ultra-tough, uber-resistant, perhaps bulletproof (?) boots use a revolutionary technology which reduces the amount of material required for the upper, without compromising on durability, traction or support; and all this while still boasting the lightest and fastest boot ever!… again!?

Older Nike Mercurial news:
Coming soon: Nike Mercurial Superfly
Nike Mercurial Vapor IV – Charcoal/Orange/Silver
Spotlight: Nike Mercurial Vapor IV – Lime
Update: Nike Mercurial Vapor Rosa