Macho man: Cristiano Ronaldo flexes his muscles in
the Spring/ Summer 2010 ad campaign for Armani
Toned: The sportsman does 3,000 sit-ups a day to
maintain his killer abs
He may be packing a smaller lunchbox, but the six pack
certainly seems to be more pronounced. Chiselled Real Madrid star
Cristiano Ronaldo flexes his muscles for the new Emporio Armani
Men’s Underwear and Armani Jeans campaign after taking over from
David Beckham.
During his two years with the Italian fashion house, England
midfielder Becks was thought to have benefited from a spot of
airbrushing to accentuate his six pack (and his package).
But at 10 years younger, 24-year-old Ronaldo - who does 3,000
sit-ups a day to maintain his killer abs - will perhaps not require
as much touching up.
That's not to say that the Portuguese 'winker' hasn't taken some
inspiration from Mr Beckham over the years.
Model professionals: Real Madrid's record signing
Ronaldo (left) joined the Spanish club two years after Beckham left
for Los Angeles Galaxy
United front: Both stars wowed the Old Trafford
crowd before heading for Spain
Not only has he taken his Armani crown, seen here
fronting the Spring/ Summer 2010 ad campaign, but he has also
followed him around the football pitch too.
In 2003 he signed for Manchester
Untied, only to bag the famous No 7 shirt worn by the
club's departed star Beckham.
And just two years after Becks left Real Madrid for LA Galaxy,
Ronaldo reared his head again by signing a deal with the Spanish
club.
The pictures for the ad, which will hit billboards and magazines
next month, were shot on location Madrid by renowned fashion
photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.
Fresh blood: He has replaced David Beckham to
become the new model for Emporio Armani Men’s Underwear and Armani
Jeans
Not shy: Ronaldo will be seen in the sizzling ads
in magazines and on billboards from next month across the
world
'Perfect physique': Giorgio Armani has praised his
latest signing, saying he embodies the 'essence of youth'
Proud: Cristiano said he was 'very flattered' to be
asked to model for the brand
Speaking of his new signing, Giorgio Armani said:
'Cristiano is a great looking man with the perfect physique of an
athlete.
'For me, he is the essence of youth - spontaneous,
exciting, a real maverick. It is for his energy that I have chosen
Cristiano to become the new face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani
Underwear - for his youthful, exciting and yes, sexy,
attitude.'
Cristiano added that he was 'very flattered' to be asked to
model for the brand, saying he was 'very pleased' with the
'striking pictures'.
Remember this? Beckham's white pant pose in 2007
sparked speculation he had benefited from some computer enhancement
in the brief department
Beckham first signed a £20million deal to become the new
global ambassador of the fashion house in 2007.
His 35-year-old wife Victoria followed suit with her own £12m
three-year deal at the end of 2008, with Italian designer Giorgio
Armani praising her as an 'intriguing woman'.
In 2007, Beckham raised suspicion that he had benefited from
some computer enhancement in the brief department.
It was after he featured in one of the brand's campaigns in a
pair of revealing white pants. At the time his spokesman refused to
comment on the reports.
