26/09-12   -   Pressemeddelelse

Goalkeeper Rui Patricio signs for Puma®

Sportlifestyle Brand Partners With Portuguese International Goalkeeper

Herzogenaurach, Germany, (26th September 2012) - PUMA today announced it has signed a new partnership with the Portuguese international goalkeeper Rui Patrício. The Sporting Lisbon stopper will wear PUMA Power gloves and evoSPEED boots for all matches he plays in for his club team and country. Rui Patrício will feature in PUMA's global football communication and marketing campaigns, and will become a key part of the Sportlifestyle's growing player portfolio.

Rui Patrício, who made his debut for the national team in 2010, has cemented his place as the Portugese number one following a host of impressive performances, most recently in Poland and Ukraine during the 2012 European ChampionshipsTM. The twenty four year old star is now in his sixth season as the Sporting Lisbon first choice goalkeeper, having established himself at a young age following his emergence from the Sporting youth academy. Rui Patrício joins Sergio Agüero, Cesc Fàbregas, Radamel Falcao, Yaya Touré, Marco Reus and many other international players that partner with PUMA.

Rui Patrício commented, "Signing this new partnership with PUMA is a great move for me, and I am very happy to have done so. I have worn PUMA gloves and boots in recent games, and the quality of both has very much impressed me. They have presented some plans of what they would like to do with me in the coming months and years, and it is clear they recognise and value my potential as a player and marketing asset, and I am very delighted to be working with them."

Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA said, "We are pleased to announce this partnership with Rui Patrício, another important addition to our growing international football player portfolio. This is a further step in strengthening our position in the football market. He has tremendous potential, having secured the number 1 jersey for his national team at a young age, and with his talent and positive attitude, it is clear a long and prosperous career is ahead of him. His ambition and maturity are equally impressive, and there is no doubt he will become a key asset for us."

Gianluigi Buffon, PUMA's long-term goalkeeping ambassador added, ""I am very happy to welcome Rui Patrício to the PUMA family. He is a goalkeeper with huge talent, and I am sure he will have the same satisfaction and contentment working with PUMA that I have enjoyed. I wish him the very best of luck."

Rui Patrício will be wearing the PowerCat 1.12 Protect Glove that features a 4mm ultimate latex palm for unrivalled grip in both wet and dry conditions. The gloves that are designed with a latex backhand for increased comfort and fit additionally feature an elasticated wristband that provides support and a secure closure. Breathable thumb and finger gussets were added for moist management and a maximum of comfort.

In addition, Rui Patrício will wear the PUMA evoSPEED 1 FG boot that features the criteria of light, flex and fit. The upper features a soft and ultrathin microfiber material whilst stability is provided by the internal EverFit cage. The anatomically engineered lightweight one-piece outsole provides stability and support, utilising high-tech materials to minimize weight and to maximize its flexibility and reactivity. The evoSPEED 1 FG features an external heel counter which secures an excellent heel fit and the new PUMA evoAptoLast which provides an industry leading fit.

For more information, visit www.puma.com or www.puma.com/football

Relevant information

http://www.puma.com/football