Granit Xhaka, an Arsenal former midfielder, chose to wear the Future Z silo after his contract with Under Armour expired, signifying that he is now an official PUMA player.

Granit Xhaka’s deal with Under Armour looked to be ending at the start of September of last year, as the Swiss international alternated between Mizuno, Nike, and adidas while practicing and competing in different footwear. He persisted on training and competing while sporting a variety of blackout boots, which is the telltale sign of an out-of-contract athlete. Among them was the PUMA Future Z prototype, which he was observed donning in December. However, he donned the ‘Game On’ colorway of the next generation Future during Arsenal’s game against Southampton this week, and now PUMA has confirmed that he has officially joined the family.

Xhaka’s choice to join PUMA is evidently not hasty; he has been spotted practicing and competing in a variety of Mizuno Morelia Morelia Neo III β, Nike Phantom VNM, Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII, and adidas Predator Mutator lows. It is reasonable to assume that the comfort and functionality of the new Future Z have greatly influenced Xhaka’s choice. The midfield player did not wear a colored boot for the first time since the September 19 meeting against West Ham during Arsenal’s FA Cup match against Southampton, which they lost 1-0.

The action is also an additional declaration of intent from PUMA, who are expanding quickly after acquiring Neymar, the new face of the Future Z and their new leading man.