England legend Tony Adams teams up with Royal British Legion for Poppy Appeal

The former defender, whose father served in the army, is urging football fans to bid for shirts worn by Premier League stars next month.

The campaign will see clubs across the professional football pyramid wearing strips featuring the iconic poppy emblem, which will then be signed by the players and go under the hammer via MatchWornshirt (MWS) auctioneers.

All net proceeds will be donated to the British Legion's Poppy Appeal.

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Former Arsenal captain Adams said: "I really wanted to get involved to show my respects.

"It’s a very, very special campaign that generates so much money for vital services.

“There are special values in the game, respect, unity, discipline and teamwork, that really resonate with the Armed Forces.

"My dad was in the army and played for the British Army, and it has always had a connection for me.

"It's so important that we don't forget, remember, and create conversations around it."

Adams also revealed the shirt he will be bidding for to keep himself.

“I’ll be bidding for Declan Rice’s shirt for sure," he said.

"I’m a fan and I’ll be getting involved and hopefully everyone else will too.

"I'’s unbelievable how much has been raised by the campaign so far, and we need to keep up the great work."

Alongside the shirt auctions, MWS will also host squad-signed shirt giveaways from clubs including Arsenal, Brighton, QPR and Leeds.

Adams, who won multiple league and FA Cup victories and has a statue outside the Emirates Stadium, added: "When I was a player, I always tried to create a culture of discipline and compassion.

"Those values came from my dad and from the Armed Forces. The people who serve set us free, and we need to make sure they’re supported and remembered.”

Now in its seventh consecutive year, the MWS campaign has raised almost £3.5 million in support of the Poppy Appeal to date.

Ben France, Head of Corporate Partnerships at The Royal British Legion, said: "For more than 100 years, the poppy has stood as a symbol of remembrance and hope.

"Today, it continues to represent our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, both past and present.

"With the backing of football clubs and fans through these auctions, we can continue to provide life-changing support."

James Flude, Head of Business at MWS, added: "Every shirt tells a story - of the match, of the player, and of the cause it represents.

"We’re proud to once again unite the footballing world in support of the Royal British Legion.

"By bidding for a poppy shirt, supporters aren’t just owning a unique piece of football history; they’re also directly contributing to a vital cause."