Warne ends Nike deal to sign with Mitre

Australian spinner Shane Warne has ended his high profile association with Nike and signed a cricket boot deal worth more than $US500,000 with European company Mitre, The Australian newspaper said on Thursday.

"Better known for its soccer gear, Mitre is hoping to use Warne to raise its profile in the cricket arena," the newspaper said.

It added that Nike had worked closely with Warne and supported him over the length of a seven-year deal which ended this year and was worth more than $US500,000.

"Following contractual discussions with Nike Australia and Shane Warne's management, Shane Warne has elected not to renew Nike's sponsorship offer," Nike said in a statement.

"The seven-year partnership had been a very positive one and Nike wishes Shane and the Australian team every success in the upcoming test tour in England."

Warne was quoted by The Australian as saying: "They were disappointed that I was not staying."

"It was purely a business decision to shop around when my contract ended."

The 31-year-old leg-spinner is Australia's highest ever wicket-taker with 376 victims in 87 tests.

Mail Cricket Editor