PALIN MITENK BLOG

By Chris Johnson and Simon Cable

Macho man: Cristiano Ronaldo flexes his muscles in the Spring/ Summer 2010 ad campaign for Armani


They are two of the world's most recognisable faces - and bodies.

So when it came to replacing David Beckham, Armani looked no further than fellow footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 24-year-old Real Madrid star, famous for his waxed torso and silky skills on the pitch, has posed for Armani's Spring 2010 campaign.
And, boy, did he pose.


Toned: The sportsman does 3,000 sit-ups a day to maintain his killer abs


During his two years with the Italian fashion house, 34-year-old Beckham was thought to have benefited from a spot of air-brushing to help accentuate his muscles.

But at 10 years younger, 24-year-old Real Madrid star 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.

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 player Beckham.


Not shy: The sportsman will be seen in the sizzling ads in magazines and on billboards from next month across the world


And then two years after Becks left Real Madrid for LA Galaxy, Ronaldo reared his head again by signing a deal with the Spanish club.

In recent years has even been seen enjoying spending time in Los Angeles, proving that where ever Beckham is, Ronaldo is not far behind.

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.


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 £12 million 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.


Real Madrid player Ronaldo, left, joined the Spanish club two years after Beckham left for LA Galaxy in 2007


He started off at Manchester United and played in the No7 shirt, just like Becks


source: dailymail