C.Ronaldo to become Portugal captain - coach

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C.Ronaldo to become Portugal captain - coach

(AFP)
Updated: 2006-11-10 16:52

LISBON - Manchester United's Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has what
it takes to shortly become a captain of Portugal's national team,
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has said.

Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo gets back on
his feet after going down in a challenge with a Southend player during
their English League Cup fourth round soccer match at Roots Hall stadium
in Southend, England, Tuesday Nov. [AP]

"I think during my time in Portugal he will become one of the captains of
our team because he has the charisma for it, he has potential," he told a
news conference to announce his 20-man squad for a Euro 2008 qualifier.

"He is young but he is learning very quickly how to lead a group," added
Scolari, who is under contract with Portugal until 2008.

The Brazilian coach said Ronaldo's promotion to captain as well as the
recovery from a lengthy injury of Deportivo Coruna's Portuguese defender
Jorge Andrade would help make up for the retirement earlier this year of
playmakers Luis Figo and Pauleta from international football.

Ronaldo, 21, has made 42 appearances for Portugal since he made his debut
for the squad on August 20, 2003 against Kazakhstan. He has scored 14
times.

Scolari named both Ronaldo and Andrade in his 20-man squad which will
face Kazakhstan in a Euro 2008 group A qualifier at home on November 15.
Benfica striker Nuno Gomes was designated the captain of the squad for
that match.

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