Ronnie named Portugal skipper

Red Devils winger set to lead his country

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 20th May 2008

Ronnie named Portugal skipper

Ronaldo: Leader

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Cristiano Ronaldo will captain his country at this summer's European Championship

The Manchester United winger succeeds legendary Portuguese superstar Luis Figo in the role.

Ronaldo has also inherited the former Barcelona and Real Madrid playmaker's shirt as Luiz Felipe Scolari announced on Tuesday that the Red Devils ace will be handed the No. 7 jersey in Austria and Switzerland.

The decision to hand the responsibility to Ronaldo will have come as a disappointment to Nuno Gomes, Petit, Simao and Ricardo Carvalho, who have all skippered the side in the past.

Portugal are currently in training ahead of Euro 2008, but their new captain and Chelsea defender Carvalho are yet to join their team-mates as they get set for the UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday.

Scolari's side finished runners-up at the tournament four years ago and are expected to mount a serious challenge for the title once again.

They have been drawn in Group A alongside Turkey, Czech Republic and hosts Switzerland.