Germany midfielder Mario Goetze caused a stir ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Ireland on Friday after briefly donning his own sponsor's socks instead of those of the team's official supplier.
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"There is the free choice for shoes here with us, so such actions should not happen," said Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff. "It is annoying."
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Adidas has sponsored the German national team for decades and Goetze has a personal deal with Nike.
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The Bayern Munich midfielder told Bild newspaper he was not trying to advertise his sponsor but wore the socks before training on Thursday as part of his recovery from injury.
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"These are compression socks which I have been wearing due to my injury,' said the midfielder, who has only recently returned to action after hurting his ankle in August.
Wow! That is very funny I must say.
But what a big mistake I must confess.
Too bad!