LISBON: Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo assumed
former great Luis Figo’s role on Tuesday as he was handed his
number 7 shirt and named captain by Portugal coach Luiz Felipe
Scolari.
The 23-year-old Manchester United winger – scorer of 41 goals in
all competitions this campaign – will attempt to achieve something
Figo never managed, guiding the Portuguese to a major senior title,
having lost 1-0 to Greece in the Euro 2004 final.
Ronaldo also wears the number 7 shirt at United, which has been
previously worn by George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
Ronaldo was chosen as captain over four players who previously
captained the side – Nuno Gomes, Petit, Simao and Ricardo Carvalho
– who are in the squad.
Portugal, who are currently training in the town of Viseu in
central Portugal, are in Group A with co-hosts Switzerland, 2004
semi-finalists Czech Republic and 2002 World Cup semi-finalists
Turkey.