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Everton have unveiled video game franchise Angry Birds as the club's first ever shirt sleeve sponsor - and will debut the new logo against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Following negotiations with Rovio Entertainment, the games giant behind the Angry Birds franchise, the Blues have signed a multi-year shirt sleeve partnership which will see the Angry Birds logo feature on the left sleeve of the Everton jersey going forwards.

Premier League clubs were allowed to shirt sleeve sponsors on their kits from the start of the 2017/18 season, with clubs negotiating deals with potential contenders following the announcement last year.

Alan McTavish, Head of Commercial at Everton, said “Rovio Entertainment recognise the global reach that Everton can deliver through its international fanbase and the global exposure of the Premier League.

"In return, working with Rovio and the Angry Birds brand gives Everton exposure in key international markets through their breadth of digital channels in gaming and animation, as well as a wide range of co-branded merchandise.

“The lead character in the Angry Birds universe is known as Red - and it is great to know he is now a Blue.

“We look forward to working together to deliver some innovative and exciting worldwide activations in what I’m sure will be a long and successful partnership.”

Everton Chief Executive Robert Elstone said: “We’re delighted that Rovio Entertainment has become Everton’s first shirt sleeve partner.

"Angry Birds is one of the best-selling game apps of all time and is also a remarkable success story in terms of the way in which the brand has crossed over from gaming to become part of popular culture. Everyone here is excited about being able to work with such a creative, dynamic and ambitious brand.”

Since launching in December 2009 Angry Birds has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 3.7billion game downloads. The partnership with Rovio Entertainment, a Finnish-based company, will open a range of marketing opportunities to new global audiences for both parties.

With 97% global brand awareness, over 450millon game downloads in 2016, 80million monthly active users, 25million followers on Facebook and more than 3billion YouTube views; Angry Birds’ worldwide digital reach offers Everton and Rovio the opportunity to create innovative branded content using the club’s crest, players and stadium - as well as giving users of the games the chance to win some exclusive Everton prizes.

(Image: PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)

In a short-animated film to launch the partnership, the lead character in the Angry Birds universe, Red, is seen signing for the Blues at the club’s Finch Farm training ground.

Ville Heijari, CMO of games at Rovio Entertainment added: “We are excited to bring Angry Birds into the top flight of English football in partnership with Everton.

"In Everton, we have found a partner who shares our values of putting the fans first, and creating a long-lasting legacy for our community of players. This is Rovio's first partnership in the most watched sports league in the world, and a logical continuation of our global Angry Birds brand partnerships.”

As well as Rovio’s sleeve partnership with Everton it has also forged innovative international partnerships with NASA, NBA, McDonalds, Sony and Lego.