Lionel Messi, who had been the cover star for Pro Evo Soccer games for some time now, will not be gracing PES12’s cover. It will be Real Madrid star midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo who will feature on the boxart of the game on all versions. The image on the boxart, Konami says, represents “total control both on and off the ball,”, some new feature’s in this year’s game.

Konami explains: “PES 2012 gives the user more control than any other football title, with all-new AI elements and off-the-ball control creating a game where the user can move players into dangerous areas during set pieces, or control second player to create space or make runs using the new Teammate Control system.

“Similarly, at the heart of PES 2012 is the Active AI system where players will drop into space, draw defenders out of position, and make diagonal runs as in real matches.

“This creates a game that flows and moves just like a top-level game, and also create the defence-splitting passes and glorious attacks that has elevated Cristiano Ronaldo to the top of his game.”

Ronaldo himself is very pleased to know that he will be the boxstar of PES 12. He says: “I am flattered that Konami has chosen me to be the face of PES 2012, and by their reasoning behind the cover image.

“PES 2012 to me is the perfect recreation of football, and truly highlights the way teams work together to create attacks, make space and break down defences.

“I think anyone that plays it will get a better understanding of the mechanics of football and how players work together. It is never about one player, it is about the team – and PES 2012 demonstrates that better than any other game.”

Game releases next month. Have a look at the Xbox 360 cover art of the game below (click on the image to see it in full size):