With Cristiano Ronaldo said to be the highest-paid footballer in the world following his Al Nassr deal, it now appears the Portugal superstar will earn even more money in Saudi Arabia than initially reported.
The 37-year-old recently signed a lucrative two-and-a-half-year deal with the Saudi outfit worth in the region of £173 million (R3.6 billion), making him the highest-paid athlete on the planet ahead of the likes Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez and his long-term rival Lionel Messi.
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It is also believed that his contract in Saudi Arabia includes some profitable added benefits, including a prominent ambassadorial role for not just the club, but for the country as a whole once he hangs up his boots.
Now, according to the Gulf Times, a source has divulged that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's mouthwatering earnings in the Middle East will essentially double should he take on the ambassadorial role reported.
"Ronaldo will be paid more than €200 million (R3.6 billion) for the deal," the source said.
"He will be an ambassador for the Saudi World Cup 2030 bid for another €200 million."
The source also explained that the deal to bring him to Saudi Arabia was funded by prominent royals in the country who support the club, including de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also referred to as "MBS".
"MBS (and his brothers) Naif, Turki and Rakan, the sons of King Salman, are all honorary members of Al Nassr since before their father even became the crown prince," he added.
"They wanted to grant their beloved club supremacy and put it in the international spotlight.
"The best way was to bring the best player in the world.
"Al Nassr and the other Saudi clubs don't have this huge fund for such a big deal. It's Public Investment Fund that secured the payment.
"It's MBS' brothers who suggested and sought to seal the deal at any price.
"They are all Al Nassr fans and they wanted to prove their team really is the International (Al Nassr's nickname)."
Read: World Cup star 'accepts' offer to join Man Utd
Ronaldo is yet to make his debut for his new team, but is expected face Messi one more time when Paris Saint-Germain take on an Al-Hilal/Al Nassr all-star XI later this month.
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