vivaronaldo.com

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. – AFP