Lionel Messi’s new contract extension, which sees the Barcelona icon commit to the Nou Camp until at least 2021 in a deal worth £500,000-a-week, will not have escaped the attention of Cristiano Ronaldo this week.
The 32-year-old may have only himself signed a new five-year deal worth a reported £365,000-a-week last season (until 2021 too), but given intense speculation over his future off the back of tax fraud allegations, Ronaldo could try and push for fresh terms this summer.
Real are not obliged by any stretch to thrash out a new deal on the table but, with it now looking likely Ronaldo will stay at the Bernabeu, the footballing legend may well be seeking an improved contract.
Here, we look at three factors why it’s highly likely player-power will win again to help Ronaldo secure another lucrative offer.
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NEW CONTRACT HELPS IN MESSI EGO BATTLE
Ronaldo and Messi have never shied away from the fact they’re not the best of friends, but in the same breath, the two greats have a mutual respect for each other on the pitch.
It’s been a fascinating, competitive rivalry between them down the years with both players working wonders to out-do each other at various stages.
On Wednesday, Messi pulled ahead before next season’s big kick-off, signing his new Barcelona contract.
Ronaldo, following his well-documented unhappiness over off-the-field tax issues, will certainly feel he deserves to earn just as much as 30-year-old Messi. He won’t command an extension, just pay parity – minimum.
Although this is more of a personal battle between the two players, a new deal for Ronaldo to level Messi’s terms or even better them, will give Real Madrid a one-up on Barcelona again before the new season even gets underway!
Mutual respect but still a strong rivalry: Ronaldo and Messi.
RONALDO HAS THREE MORE SEASONS AT TOP
He may be 32 but Ronaldo is still in the best physical condition possible and is without doubt one of the best players in the world.
The Los Blancos legend reinvented himself last season into more of an out-and-out striker – and despite his critics – still banged in goals for fun, totalling 42 in 46 appearances overall. He’s as clinical as ever.
Ronaldo was instrumental during the Whites’ second consecutive Champions League triumph in Cardiff and is the most important player Zinedine Zidane has at his disposal.
Given his professionalism on the pitch, there’s no reason why Ronaldo can’t keep up his form for a few more years. Indeed, the Portuguese said in 2016 that he wants to reach 500 goals for the Whites (currently on 406) and play football until he is 41.
The winner of three Champions League titles with Real: Ronaldo.
HIS COMMERCIAL VALUE IS STILL HIGH
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner, individually, is reportedly worth over £300m and that figure is ever rising due to his huge portfolio of endorsements.
As a footballer, his price tag could stretch to £100m in today’s market and his release clause is £875million. Throw in the millions more Real make on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis from shirt sales, advertisements and the fact Ronaldo is still the face of the club, then it’s mega bucks.
Essentially, he is still worth a fortune to Madrid for his value on and off the pitch.