Cristiano Ronaldo to model Armani underwear in ads

Player Cristiano Ronaldo warms up before a training session of Portugal's soccer team Friday, Oct. 9 2009, at the Luz stadium in Lisbon. Portugal will face Hungary in a World Cup qualifying match Saturday and Ronaldo is expected to be fit to play after recovering from an injury in his right ankle. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

By The Associated Press

Oct. 9, 2009 7:51 AM PT

ROME —

Italian fashion designer Armani says football (soccer) player Cristiano Ronaldo will model underwear and jeans in a new worldwide advertising campaign.

Milan-based Giorgio Armani SpA said Friday the Ronaldo ads will start in spring-summer 2010. Ronaldo signed with Real Madrid over the summer after leaving Manchester United. He also plays for Portugal’s national team.

Ronaldo follows the lead of David Beckham, who posed seductively in Emporio Armani underwear in a previous campaign including billboard ads.