Soccer-Themed Resort Planned For Portugal

A group of Portuguese soccer players including Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo are investing millions in a soccer-themed resort in southern Portugal. The 20-year-old star is teaming up with  his Chelsea rivals Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreia, Lyon's Tiago Mendes and Barcelona's Brazilian-born star Deco, to pay for 50 percent of the 40 million euro expense of a luxury resort in the Algarve. The rest of the bill is being footed by construction firm RR Grupo. The new project, known as Hotel Alvor Baia will include 400 apartments,  bars, swimming pools, a spa, a health club and other sports facilities on a plot near the city of Portimao. Construction will begin in February and is expected to be finished in June 2008.