LeBron James has continued his public support of Liverpool and Nike's new partnership by sending personalised shirts to a host of American sports stars.
The basketball superstar is a minority shareholder at Anfield and has been using his profile as one of the biggest sportsmen on the planet to increase the Reds' presence across the Atlantic.
Since the five-year deal started between Nike and Liverpool at the turn of the month, 'King' James was spotted sporting the club's brand-new strip at a recent LA Lakers game in Oklahoma.
James, who can boast a jaw-dropping following of 69.6m on Instagram, posted the snap himself last week to the social media site, with the caption: "@LiverpoolFC kit vibes #YNWA."
And now, the Lakers icon has been sending Liverpool shirts to a number of other sports stars, including former Denver Broncos tight end, Shannon Sharpe.
The ECHO understands the boxes were personalised with a message from James and dispatched to other famous faces, although Nike sources remain tight-lipped over which sports stars were the beneficiaries.
In the box, which came personalised with Sharpe's name and the number 19 on the back - to signify the number of league titles won by the Reds - James had written about the new link-up between his manufacturers and the club he has a two per cent stake in.
Liverpool message from LeBron James in full:
"Nine years ago, I went to my first game at Anfield.
"I'll never forget the feeling of walking through the Shankly Gates, the atmosphere and the fans. It was an adrenaline rush and one of the greatest experiences I've had watching sports.
"Liverpool FC is admired across the world and I've learned firsthand that it's the people who make the community special.
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"Family and community are truly at the heart of everything they do. No matter where they are.
"It's the Liverpool way. They are a family.
"And having been part of the Nike family for over 18 years, I know how important that is to all of us.
"Today, I am excited to invite you to celebrate another moment of greatness in their journey - the partnership of Nike and Liverpool FC.
"You're one of the first to receive the kit that hono[u]rs the team and this new chapter.
"Join me in officially welcoming Liverpool FC to the Nike family. 'By far the greatest team, the world has ever seen...'
"Wear it with pride!
"LeBron."
James was a big factor in Liverpool's victory over former suppliers, New Balance, in the High Court back in October 2019.
The Boston-based New Balance felt they had a matching clause that enabled them to continue as the club's manufacturers after Nike had agreed a deal worth an annual £30m with Liverpool.
However, with Nike pledging to use the likes of James, rapper Drake and tennis legend Serena Williams in their aim of establishing Liverpool FC throughout North America, it was ruled that New Balance couldn't match the calibre of star power on offer by the Oregon giants.
The ECHO understands insiders have been blown away by the early projections for the 2020/21 shirt and Anfield sources are hopeful the deal will be the most lucrative in club history.
James became a minority shareholder in Liverpool shortly after the club was taken over by current owners FSG in 2010 and enjoyed a tour of Melwood and a trip to Anfield upon linking up with the club.
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