After Beckham, Ronaldo to model Armani underwear

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo applauds before his team's friendly soccer match against D.C. United in Landover, Maryland, August 9, 2009.

MILAN (Reuters Life!) - Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo has replaced English star David Beckham again -- this time modeling underwear for Giorgio Armani.

The fashion house announced on Friday that the 24-year old Real Madrid player will be the official worldwide testimonial for its Emporio Armani's Men's Underwear and Armani Jeans, starting from spring/summer 2010.

Beckham stripped down to his pants for Emporio Armani adverts last year. He has also posed for the brand with his wife Victoria and the two currently head the Emporio Armani autumn/winter underwear campaign.

Victoria Beckham, of Spice Girls fame, also models the women's underwear.

Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player after his $130 million move from Manchester United to Real in June, also replaced Beckham in the United team in 2003 after the England midfielder signed for Real. Los Angeles Galaxy's Beckham is close to signing another five-month loan deal with AC Milan from January in an effort to keep himself in England's World Cup squad but Ronaldo's Portugal could miss out on the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

(Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian, editing by Paul Casciato)