I have a big box of football shirts in the garage. Arsenal shirts, Finnish shirts, some really random ones in between. It's nowhere near the number I've owned - there are several that I've either sold or have gone walkies down the years, probably in Mum's loft.
That doesn't include the huge numbers that I've seen and not bought, where either I've dithered and waited too long, or only really found it after it has been replaced - after being worn in a tournament or seen on one of the retro shirt websites.
Here are five shirts that I wish were in my box, ready to bust out for a Quickly Kevin live show or a trip to that Serie A themed bar that I'll probably never get to. I've not included Arsenal shirts, and some are missing purely because it was never practical in the pre-internet days (Holland 88, Germany 90 etc).
Roma 2014/15 home
A simple, beautiful shirt in iconic colours. When it comes to sponsors, for me (Clive), it's either none or millions. This template was lovely, also seen on that season's Monaco jersey. The only other Roma top that comes close are the early 90s Adidas ones with the Barilla sponsor when they had Aldair and Voller.
Sampdoria 1994/95 home
But in the 90s, when Serie A was the competition in the UK households without a Sky dish (including us), Samp were my side. They turned up at Highbury for a pre-season Makita tournament in their stunning shirt in 1991, fresh from winning the title and the summer before they lost the European Cup final. I also went to the away leg of the Cup Winner's Cup semi-final where Arsenal lost 3-2 but progressed on pens. This kit was the peak, with the laces on the collar and worn by Platt and Gullit. The design still lives on, and even the current Joma jerseys aren't too shabby at all.
Brazil 1998 home
During the 1998 World Cup, I had a few shirts. England, Scotland, France and the Netherlands. One I didn't have was Brazil. While it'll be forever linked to Ronaldo in the final, it was the build-up in that Nike airport ad that set the scene. Not the classic Brazil jersey, but I bloody loved it. Normally a crew neck is a little dull, but this really worked for the time. The identical away jersey in blue and white was also yummy.
Ireland 1988 home
Oooh this was a different one. Mesh? Green? All of a sudden, the Irish side of my family were into football... Perhaps this one is more nostalgic than the others - but I wanted one so much, I'm pretty sure my cousin had one. The Italia 90 shirt was also fine with the boomerang-esque shadow print, but this was the peak. Now I'd just be happy to get an Ireland shirt without a sponsor.
England 1992 third
This was bonkers. England in blue. I do have the Umbro reproduction of the blue 1990 shirt, which was more famous for being in the World In Motion video than it's one wear... This was worn twice and it is insane. I only ever had one in extra large (I'm a medium) but it got eBayed when I bought my first flat and I couldn't afford food. Typical 90s. I'd love one that fits now. Although the 1990 one is the only one I wear during tournaments now, with Wayfarers and a vacant look.
Which kits do you miss from your collection?
