Real Madrid's unusual salary rule has been revealed

Real Madrid reportedly have a different pay structure to other football clubs, it has been claimed.

Although players' wages are often referred to as weekly, it's common knowledge that they still get paid on a month-by-month basis.

However, it's said that at 14-time European champions Real, they have a different way of doing things.

A slew of big name players have turned out for Real, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, David Beckham, Luis Figo and Jude Bellingham.

All would have earned a pretty penny but according to former Republic of Ireland international Andy Townsend, Real's players are only paid TWICE a year in an unusual practice.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Chelsea player said: "Do you know the Real Madrid boys, I know because Michael Owen's told me this before, when you sign for Real Madrid - you only get paid twice a year.

"It's a fair old lump that comes flying in but I'm pretty sure they get paid twice a year.

"I remember saying that whenever you go to Real Madrid, you want to get off to a good start!

"You don't want to upset them because you want to make sure when it gets to December and that first lump goes into the old account, that you're doing well."

Owen was at Real for one season back in 2004/05, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

Plenty of fans have questioned whether the wage structure would still be in place given all that has happened since Owen was playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real's latest high-profile acquisition was the £88.5 million summer move for Jude Bellingham, who signed a six-year contract.

Bellingham is said to earn around £220,000-a-week with Real and has justified the money by scoring 13 goals in 14 games.

SPORTbible has contacted Real Madrid for comment.