Konami have announced that this year for Australia and New Zealand the covers boys for Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 will be Lucas Neill and Cristiano Ronaldo. Lucas Neill has been chosen because he has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world and as he is Australian already, he would become an ideal cover boy for the Australian market. Cristiano Ronaldo has been chosen as he is one of the best young midfielders in the world who has already established himself in the National Squad and many titles already under his name. Cristiano Ronaldo was also chosen for the European Cover as well with Michael Owen

This year, leading Qantas Socceroo Lucas Neill and Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo will be the faces in Australia and New Zealand of its forthcoming PES 2008 - the latest incarnation of the multi-million-selling Pro Evolution Soccer series.

Lucas Neill has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. Marking some of the most powerful strikers in world football, Lucas has impressed his peers with his clinical tackling, incisive attacking instinct, accurate kicking talent and quick and accurate analysis of his opponent's weaknesses to plan his offensive attack.

Midfielder Ronaldo is regarded as one of the most exciting talents of the modern game, and the 22-year-old is a permanent fixture in the Portuguese national squad. His incredible ball control and trademark skills have seen him receive countless awards, including both the PFA's 2007 Player and Young Player of the Year awards.

As part of the deal, Lucas Neill and Cristiano Ronaldo will appear on the packaging and point-of-sale materials for Konami's Australian and New Zealand versions of PES 2008.

"It is an honour to be the face of a game that is the undeniable leader in football video games" added Lucas Neill. "The developers succeeded in creating a true to life game that captures the intensity, realism and detail of football in a virtual environment."

"For me there is no other game that can capture the grace and skill of football like PES 2008," commented Cristiano Ronaldo. "Every element of the game is lavished with incredible detail, and with its close control and fast pace it is the most complete simulation of real football out there."

tidus04 via uk.ps3.ign.com »