Manchester City 2003-2004 Away Shirt - Anelka No. 39 (XL)

The red and black stripes are crisp with no fading, and the white V-neck is clean. The embroidered crest, the Reebok logo and the First Advice sponsor are intact. The ANELKA 39 print lies perfectly flat, with no cracking. Nothing to report.

Not sure about the size? This XL measures 57 x 76 cm: compare with the flat measurements below, or check my size guide.

Flat measurements

Early-2000s Reebok shirts are cut straight and generous. Lay a shirt that fits you well flat, measure it the same way and compare.

✦ Authenticity guaranteed for life

Checked by hand in my authentication workshop. If a piece bought from me ever turned out not to be authentic, I refund you in full. No expiry date: only original pieces, never modern re-editions.

• Reebok label (photo 4): woven logo, 100% polyester composition in several languages, reference 249/233939/03
• Embroidered crest: eagle, three stars and the “Superbia in Proelio” motto, dense embroidery (photo 3)
• Neck label: “Official Fan version Merchandise” marking under the Reebok logo (photo 3)
• Cut and finish: woven stripes with fine tone-on-tone lines, ribbed white V-neck, small embroidered badge at the hem

Anelka and City's new stadium

In summer 2003, Manchester City left Maine Road for the City of Manchester Stadium, built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Reebok became the club's kit supplier and brought back red and black stripes for the away shirt, a nod to the 1969 FA Cup final kit.

Nicolas Anelka had arrived from PSG a year earlier, signed by Kevin Keegan. He chose the number 39, which he kept throughout his time at City.

4 February 2004, White Hart Lane: 3-0 down at half-time and reduced to ten men, City beat Tottenham 4-3 in the FA Cup. One of the craziest games in the club's history.

The same season, City played in the UEFA Cup, qualifying through the fair play ranking. Anelka remained the Citizens' main attacking threat.

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