Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become the highest-earning footballer ever as he edges towards a £173m-per-year deal at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
The Portuguese superstar ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent earlier this month, following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo's exit from United means he is no longer earning a wage at club level with the agreement over his Old Trafford departure meaning that he forfeited the remaining seven months of wages from his original contract through to the summer of 2023.
Interest from Al Nassr had already been established as they had already submitted an offer to Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes. Over the duration of that contract offer, Ronaldo would have played past his 40th birthday, the veteran would earn £172.9million per year - an amount that would not be feasible for any European or MLS clubs interested in a move for the striker, split between his playing contract and marketing obligations.
