Gremio takes European inspiration in signing new partner

Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A football club Gremio has signed a one-year partnership with locally-based fashion brand Spirito Santo.

The company will become the Porto Alegre club’s formalwear partner and will outfit the team for its trips to compete in this year’s Copa Libertadores continental competition. While the agreement of such deals has become commonplace in European football, Gremio said its partnership with Spirito Santo is unprecedented in the Brazilian game.

Andreas Renner Mentz, director of Spirito Santo, said: “Rio Grande do Sul (state) resembles Europe and Gremio has the face of European team. Furthermore, being well dressed off the field increases the self-esteem of the players.”

Gremio finished as runner-up in the 2013 Serie A table, sealing its qualification for the Copa Libertadores.