When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for the second time, he ended up signing one of the most lucrative contracts in the history of sports.
In his second full season back at Old Trafford, Ronaldo fell out with Erik ten Hag and a drawn out saga ended with his contract being terminated by mutual consent.
It meant by the time the 2022 World Cup in Qatar rolled around, Ronaldo was in the unusual situation of being without a club.
Free agency didn't last too long for him, however, as on the 30 December the five-time Ballon d'Or winner signed for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
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Widespread reports claiming that he had become the highest-paid player in the world by some distance.
Ronaldo is said to earn £177-million per year at the Riyadh club, which equates to around £3,403,846 per week.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar has been with Al Nassr for 78 weeks, meaning his total earnings since joining are around £265 million.
The 39-year-old's current contract runs until the summer of 2025 and there is talk that he could extend his stay.
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He has justified his hefty pay packet by scoring 64 goals in 70 games, as well as serving catalyst for a number of high-profile players moving to Saudi.
Ronaldo is currently leading Portugal at Euro 2024 in Germany but is yet to find the net at the tournament, notably missing a penalty in the round of 16 win over Slovenia on Monday night.
He has admitted that the competition will be his last Euros after a record-breaking appearance.
“It is, without doubt, my last European Championship,” Ronaldo said after the game, as per O Jogo.
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“But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.
"It's not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win?
"It won't be about getting one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most."
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Saudi Pro League
Josh Lawless