Nike respond as Mason Greenwood wears their boots in first game for 20 months
Nike's stance has been revealed after Mason Greenwood made his debut for Getafe wearing their boots.
The 21-year-old signed for the La Liga on loan from Manchester United on deadline day after an internal investigation decided it was best that he continue his career elsewhere.
A slew of clubs turned down the chance to sign the forward and that allowed Getafe to pull off the controversial move.
Greenwood, wearing No.12 made his first appearance on a football pitch since his arrest in January 2022 as Getafe scored a late winner to beat Osasuna 3-2.
He did so wearing boots manufactured by Nike but that is despite Greenwood being dropped by the American sportswear giants when he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Even when the charges dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023, Nike stressed that Greenwood no longer had a relationship with the brand.
Greenwood is therefore not being supplied with any new boots by Nike and has instead been seen sporting footwear which is seven years old in training for Getafe.
He debuted with the very same pair of Nike Mercurial Superfly 4 boots, which were released as part of the Radiant Reveal pack in 2016.
But Nike maintain that there is no association whatsoever. "The statement still holds true. Mason Greenwood is no longer a Nike athlete," a spokesperson told GBNews.
Greenwood was introduced as a second-half substitute and met with a mixed reaction. While Getafe fans cheered him, supporters in the away end reportedly chanted "Greenwood, die" .
The England international is now confirmed to be featured in the upcoming EA Sports FC 24 game but will not be included in the Ultimate Team mode.
He is also expected to be in Football Manager 24.