My First Football Shirt: Cristian Nyari

We caught up with football writer Cristian Nyari from DAZN, to talk memories of Euro 96, classic Juve shirts and classy Arsenal goals. This interview was done as part of our My First Football Shirt series.

What was your first football shirt?

Juventus 1996/97 💪#FlashbackFriday #UCL pic.twitter.com/RlFfYf8bXH

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 8, 2017

If memory serves me well, my first ever kit was a Juventus 1996 home jersey. Classic with the Sony sponsor at the peak of their powers!

What is your favourite football shirt?  

Happy 48th birthday to EURO 1996 winner Christian Ziege! 🇩🇪🏆#DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/quThTWWa60

— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) February 1, 2020

I must say my favourite kit of all time was Germany's 1996 EURO kit. I have very fond memories of that year and that tournament. It was the first EUROs I followed actively and Germany had a crazy dramatic end to it and so the jersey left a big impression on me. 

From a design perspective it’s also quite magnificent. It captures both the 90s aesthetic with the big crest around the team logo as well as the traditional german colours around the sleeves and neck. The numbers on that jersey were also really sharp and it all worked together well from a design perspective.

What is your favourite goal?

Dennis Bergkamp with *that* goal against Newcastle. Enjoy...🍿#GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/5Ro8BXKqNB

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 5, 2017

Now this is a much more difficult question. I’m sure I’ll forget so many but the one that continues to come to mind every time great goals are discussed is Bergkamp’s spin and turn vs Newcastle, for Arsenal.

It really is art in motion from one of my favourite players of all time. Bergkamp represents what I value and love about the game – the technique, the artistry and the philosophy above all else. 

If you want to read more about the football memories of players, writers, and more you can buy the full Your First Football Shirt book. Discover Alan Shearer's first ever football shirt, Carl Anka's most cherished shirt and more. All proceeds go to the charities CALM and Willow.