Cristiano Ronaldo’s thighs of steel have been insured by Real Madrid for a staggering 100 million euros (or U.S. $144 million).
Real Madrid is attempting to protect themselves in case Cristiano, 24, ever gets seriously injured during a soccer match, according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
Ronaldo Injury Hurts Club Finances
While the sum may sound extravagant, the amount realistically quantifies Cristiano’s dollar value to Real Madrid in terms of market and monetary income. In June, Real Madrid shelled out a stunning $131 million transfer fee to acquire the Portuguese international winger from Manchester United. That amount (which was only the transfer fee) does not include Cristiano’s lofty salary of over $18.7 million a year.
The insuring of Ronaldo’s legendary pins comes shortly after Czech footballer Zdenek Grygera delivered a vicious kick to Cristiano’s leg near the knee during a recent friendly.
While Ronaldo was given a clean bill of health by club doctors, the potentially damaging injury underscored the soccer phenom’s huge financial value to Real Madrid. Cristiano’s popularity impacts the club’s advertising contracts, stadium ticket sales and merchandising revenue.
Interestingly, Ronaldo had indicated he was looking forward to playing in Spain because the style of football there was less combative than in England.
“Football in England is different; it is more physical,” said Cristiano. “There are some teams who know they can’t compete with you on a football level, so they just kick you. It’s frustrating and something needs to be done to protect the skillful players, because one day someone will get seriously hurt.”
‘Undisputed Best Player’
Ronaldo, who played with Manchester United from 2003 to 2009, scored a staggering 118 goals for United in 292 appearances. What sets Cristiano apart from other players is his consistency and peak athletic form, said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
“That’s one of the things [Ronaldo] has above all other players: He was never injured, he always played. He never missed training,” said Ferguson. “His contribution as a goal threat is unbelievable. His stats are incredible. He is easily the best player in the world.”
You can read more at RonaldoWORLD.net. Source: examiner.com.
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