Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly took a hefty pay cut to re-sign for Manchester United this summer, despite becoming the Premier League club’s highest-paid player.
The 36-year-old Portuguese forward informed Juventus of his desire to leave Turin amid interest from defending Premier League champions Manchester City.
City initially appeared as the clear favourites to sign Ronaldo after their failed bid to land Harry Kane from Tottenham.
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The club later withdrew from negotiations and cleared the path for United to complete their blockbuster acquisition of Ronaldo.
The Red Devils reached an agreement for the former Juventus superstar’s transfer and landed Ronaldo for an initial fee of £12.8m, which could rise to £19.4m through add-ons.
Early reports in Italy suggested that Ronaldo would earn a staggering £480,000 per week on his new United contract.
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However, it has now emerged that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner took a £6m pay cut ahead of his imminent return to Old Trafford.
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According to The Daily Mail, Ronaldo will be on a lucrative £385,000-a-week deal and has become United’s best-paid player.
Ronaldo’s super-agent, Jorge Mendes, demanded £20m per year for his client’s wages.
The Portugal captain’s wage demands were slashed in a bid to secure Ronaldo’s move to United ahead of the transfer window closing on 31st August.
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The United legend, whose old Juventus deal expired in 2022, was reportedly earning a whopping £500,000 per week in Turin.
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Ronaldo’s £385,000-a-week deal has catapulted him to the top of United’s highest earners ahead of David de Gea, who is on £375,000 per week at the Red Devils.
The former Real Madrid superstar reportedly underwent his United medical in Lisbon over the weekend.
Ronaldo’s second United debut could happen against Newcastle on 11th September at Old Trafford.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Premier League, Football, England