Ricardo Quaresma replaces Cristiano Ronaldo

Portuguese Football Federation has called up former Chelsea winger Ricardo Quaresma to replace the injured National team captain Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal squad ahead of UEFA EURO 2012 qualification matches. Portugal will be facing Southern Cyprus in their first match (at home) for the qualification of Euro 2012. They will be playing against Norway (away) in their second match. Portugal will be missing their captain Ronaldo in both these matches. Ronlado, who injured his ankle last Sunday in a goalless draw Spanish League match against Mallorca, is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks. Based on the assessment from the medical staff, Portuguese Football Federation will decide on his role in qualification matches. If in case he withdraws the squad, central midfielder, Paulo Machado is most likely to be his replacement.

Quaresma emerged from Sporting's famed academy which gave soccer stars like Joao Moutinho, Nani, and Cristiano Ronaldo. He began his career with Sporting CP. He has played for some of the top teams including Barcelona, Porto, Internazionale and Chelsea. He won the Portuguese Footballer of the Year in 2005 and 2006. He was also awarded Portuguese Golden Ball in the year 2007. But unfortunately he was not a part of the recently concluded Portugal's 2010 World Cup campaign.