Oakley Europe extends endorsement agreement with Djibril Cissé

Oakley Europe has announced the extension of the endorsement agreement with French football superstar Djibril Cissé through to 2008, including the release in 2006 of a signature-edition sunglass co-developed by Cissé.

Oakley and Cissé established and formalized a relationship in 2005 for the endorsement of sunglasses and have expanded the term of the new agreement to 2008 for all eyewear, including the launch in 2006 of a Special Edition sunglass, Oildrum, developed in collaboration with the French striker.

The new agreement provides for the exclusive personal use of Oakley eyewear by Djibril, including Oakley's MP3 sunglass Thump, as well as his involvement in international marketing and public relations activity for the launch of products throughout the European market.

'I have forever been passionate about style & fashion and Oakley's products fit perfectly with my inspiration and image. I'm really excited to be involved with these guys', said Cissé.

Sports Marketing Manager Eric Minozzi said: 'It has been absolutely amazing to have Djib' in the Oakley family in 2005 and to be a part of his incredible program for the future. This guy is totally legitimate whether on the football field, in the studio mixing or in the design room for his clothing label Klubb 9'. Minozzi added, 'We take enormous inspiration from Djibril's attitude, courage and performances, and are looking forward to supporting his World Cup campaign in 2006 and sharing future successes in all aspects of his personal and professional life'.

Djibril Cissé, 24, French striker originating from Africa's Ivory Coast, has already achieved outstanding success in his professional career: he was leading scorer in the 2002 and 2004 French League and has played 27 matches for the French national team, scoring 9 goals since his debut. In July 2004 Djibril joined the club of Liverpool in the FA Cup, where he also won the prestigious Champion's League Trophy in 2005 and scored two goals in the European Supercup's final in August.