Classic Football Shirts took over the National Football Museum with a curated exhibition dedicated to the 'Fabric of Football'. A display of over 500 iconic football shirts that will stand the test of time.

This celebration of nostalgia saw several thousand people descend on the National Football Museum. Each shirt tells a story and from the various shapes, sizes, colours and cuts, there were hundreds of shirts supported by various other trinkets that helped paint a picture of football through the generations.

To kick off the limited time exhibition, Ruud Gullit took host James Richardson on a journey through his personal kit memories. Having worn so many classics, his shirt timeline is littered with emotive pieces. James Richardson - the host of cult show, Football Italia which ran from 1992 to 2002 - introduced a generation of football fans around the UK to the suave nature and style that came through Serie A.

Later in the evening, Juan Mata joined a panel fresh from his sides 2-1 win over rivals Liverpool to answer questions about the kits that he holds close. Also joining the names on a panel was the man behind one of the most iconic shirts of all time. Ina Franzmann was the designer of the famous Germany shirt from Italia 90. A mainstay that adidas based their Germany 2018 World Cup shirt on, it's a design that will outlive many on pitch escapades as a true piece of football fanfare. 

The game has been well worn through the ages and it's a place that continues to take on new life and new forms.

Photography by Ross Cooke for SoccerBible.