Cristiano Ronaldo launches his underwear collection CR7

World famous sportsman Cristiano Ronaldo made a public appearance in Madrid today to officially launch his new CR7 by Cristiano Ronaldo underwear collection, which is available worldwide from 1st November 2013.

Ronaldo appeared at Madrid landmark Palacio de Cibeles to unveil a 19 metre tall CR7 by Cristiano Ronaldo campaign image, featuring the global sports star modelling a key item from his range. The campaign was shot by world renowned photographer Giampaolo Sgura.

The spectacular courtyard in Palacio de Cibeles, which is regularly used for high end fashion events and is famous as a hub for culture, art and design, provided the perfect backdrop to the image, which was displayed beneath the building's distinctive glass dome and against its remarkable neoclassical architecture.

Ronaldo said at the launch, "I am very proud to officially launch CR7 today and especially to see my campaign image displayed in this beautiful building, one of the most famous landmarks in Madrid. I put a lot of passion and dedication into creating this new underwear line and I am delighted to finally launch it globally today. "

CR7 by Cristiano Ronaldo is the inaugural brand venture for the celebrated sportsman and his first personal venture into fashion design. His love of fashion and interest in design were key factors in his decision to launch his own collection.  He sought the expertise of CDFA Award winning designer Richard Chai, who is renowned for his work with labels including Marc Jacobs and Donna Karen, to collaborate on design elements of the range and worked with Danish luxury underwear experts JBS Textile Group to develop the project.

Ronaldo said of the venture, "Fashion and design are two passions of mine and I have wanted to launch my own brand for a long time. Working on this collection alongside Richard has given me a great creative outlet and I have loved every part of collaborating on the range, from selecting the colours and designs to testing the styles and fits myself. I am very proud that the collection is launching worldwide today."