adidas Set to End 20-Year Affiliation With Italian Heavyweights After Chinese Takeover

Adidas have reportedly decided to break from their sponsorship of AC Milan after 20 years of making the San Siro outfit's kits.

AC Milan and adidas have become almost synonymous with each other after their affiliation that dates all the way back to 1998 - having previously manufactured their strips between 1978 and 1980, as well as 1990-1993.

But now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), the German sportswear brand are ripping up their contract with the club despite still having five years left to run on the deal.

Adidas made the decision to end their sponsorship during the Chinese takeover of the club over the summer - agreeing to hold out until the summer of 2018. While the move is already set in place, the necessary steps are expected to be taken between December and January.

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The Rossoneri now face the task of finding a new kit sponsor - adidas' rivals in Nike are unlikely to take the plunge due to their relationship with Inter Milan. While up and coming brands in New Balance and Under Armour are expected to be the two competing for the club's exposure, whether or not the companies are willing to pay the same amount as adidas were (€19.7m) is yet to be seen.

Adidas aren't the only sponsors to leave Milan this year. Car manufacturers also pulled out of their deal with the club back in March before the new investors were introduced.

Despite heavy investment over the summer, Milan have failed to make much of an impact on Serie A. After suffering defeat to Roma before the international break, the club now sit 7th in the table - nine points off first placed Napoli.