"I'm a big fan of EA's FIFA series and I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on the final version. The game is very popular with many other players, especially when we travel together for away matches, and it's a great honour for a young player like myself to be chosen to be featured on the cover of FIFA," said Wayne Rooney.
Wayne Rooney, current PFA Young Player of the Year, is one of the most exciting young football stars ever, having scored his first Premiership goal at 16. He became England's youngest ever player to score for his country at 17, and enjoyed a spectacular Euro 2004 tournament. Still only 19, he is a key striker for Manchester United and England.
"I feel very privileged to be asked to feature in another FIFA release. The game gives me the opportunity to play the matches I want to play every day of the week – even while away from the field," said Ronaldinho.
Ronaldinho, FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004, was also noticed for his football wizardry at a very young age. At 19 he was part of the Brazil's 1999 Copa America winning team, and now 25, he has gone on to captain the Brazilian team and is also a star player for FC Barcelona.
For Rooney and Ronaldinho this is an exciting extension of previous collaborations with EA. Rooney has already worked on EA's FIFA 05 in the UK while Ronaldinho appeared on the packs of FIFA Street and FIFA Football 04. Both players have been valuable consultants in the development of the game. Under the new agreement Rooney and Ronaldinho will now both become global celebrity endorsers and appear on merchandising and advertising for FIFA 06.
"Both players have been acknowledged for their exceptional achievements at a very young age. Their inspirational talent makes them the ideal cover stars for our best selling sports game. Like Rooney and Ronaldinho, FIFA 06 will be all about reflecting the raw skill and passion of football," said Clive Downie, VP Marketing EA SPORTS Europe.
Downie continues, "To reinforce this year's release of the game, a multi-national team in Canada has been focused on product development, which will make FIFA 06 a very different proposition, bringing a Total Football experience to the fingertips of gamer's. It will deliver a combination of attacking gameplay, complete player customisation, pure authenticity and an all-new manager mode - we think football fans are going to like what they see."
"Gamers will be able to create a star player and customise every aspect of FIFA 06 to fit their individual playing style and preferences. Furthermore, an all new FIFA 06 Lounge and online play will provide gamers with as much football as they want, whenever they want it," concluded Downie.
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