Ron to replace Becks as face - and body - of Armani

Cristiano Ronaldo will replace David Beckham as the new face of Emporio Armani underwear.

Ronaldo - who like Beckham rose to fame playing for Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid - will strip off for the Italian fashion house’s Spring/Summer 2010 worldwide campaign.

The 24-year-old Portuguese-born athlete will also model jeans, Armani has revealed.

Beckham, who fronted Armani’s underwear collections for four seasons - is believed to be in talks with another company to launch his own line of men’s underwear for Autumn/Winter 2010.

Beckham’s wife, former Spice Girl-turned-designer Victoria Beckham, has also agreed not to renew her contract with the fashion house.

Victoria - who promoted the women’s underwear range for two seasons - is reportedly planning to design a collection of lingerie for her own fashion line, dVb.

Los Angeles Galaxy star David, 34, and Victoria posed together for a series of sultry black-and-white shots for Armani.