Adidas ‘dying’ for Disi’s signature

Another Germany based sports apparel manufacturer, Adidas Group has shown interest to sponsor Rwanda long distance champion Dieudonne Disi.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Another Germany based sports apparel manufacturer, Adidas Group has shown interest to sponsor Rwanda long distance champion Dieudonne Disi.

Disi, whose two-year contract with Puma expires mid in next June, is set to decide whether to renew his contract with Puma or jump ship and sign with rivals Adidas.

The 5000m, 10000m and half marathon national record holder told Times Sport last week that Adidas approached him after he concluded the European road race season with a victory in the New Delhi half marathon race last month.

"I was approached by Adidas officials over a possible deal but I’m yet to discuss the issue with both my manager (Ricky Simms) and my coach before taking any further step.

"I still have several more months on my current contract with Puma and as a matter of fact, I would love to renew it when it expires but only with improved terms,” noted the soft spoken runner.

He added, "According to Adidas, they are willing to offer me a better package than the one Puma is providing and I hope to have decided on which to way to take before I start competing in European Cross Country season this month”.

Disi who never wanted to reveal the actual package he gets from Puma, disclosed that Adidas could offer him an annual package worthy between $50000 and $60000.

However, the Rwandan most internationally recognized athlete is currently in talks with Puma for a new and improved deal and with Adidas waiting in the wings, the situation could help him negotiate a better deal.

The 27-year-old signed his first contract with Puma in 2005 and since then Puma has also been dressing the national athletics team in all major international championships.

Puma is the third largest sports wear manufacturer in the world behind Nike and Adidas and offers line shoes and sports clothing.

Meanwhile, Disi who was 23rd in this year’s World Cross Country Championship held in Mombasa, Kenya is expected to take part in this weekend’s IAAF Cross Country Championship due in Soria, Spain.

He hopes that taking part in the European cross country championships would help in fine-tuning hiself ahead of the 36th edition of the World cross country championship in Edinburgh, Scotland next March.

Ends