Footballing traditionalists worldwide will be able to use Sergio Ramos as a pin-up until February after it emerged that the Spaniard is contractually obliged to only wear black boots.
Ramos, the Real Madrid defender, recently cut his association with Nike after 10 years but, according to , is not permitted to switch suppliers until the new year.
reports that, a six-month non-compete clause prevents other companies associating themselves with the Spain international in the interim.
That has left the Galactico to paint over his footwear, leaving no signs of branding in a nod to times of old when coloured boots were nowhere to be seen.
Ramos is in negotiations with other kit manufacturers over who will take over from Nike but for now the jet black will remain.
The centre back's extravagant financial demands are putting Nike's rivals off signing him, according to the report.
Adidas, Puma, Joma, New Balance and Under Armour are all said to have spoken with Ramos over a potential deal.
Marca say the decision to walk away from Nike after a decade of association was down to the fact Ramos was not used in a global advertising campaign.
Even in training, he now must abide by the terms of the severance clause meaning, in an age of footwear fluorescence, Ramos will not provide much-needed nostalgia.
In 2011, Manchester United attempted to curb the rise by banning its academy players from wearing coloured footwear but that has done little to stifle the trend.
Recently, Italy legend and current New York City midfielder Andrea Pirlo was presented with a special pair of Merlot Nike Tiempo boots, in tribute to his passion for wine-making.
-DailyMail