Cristiano Ronaldo salary: how much did he earn in second Man Utd spell each week - and likely wage demands

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United by mutual consent putting an end to his second spell at the club.

The news of Ronaldo’s departure comes less than a week after a controversial interview on Piers Morgan: Uncensored. During the interview the Portuguese star launched a scathing attack on his manager Erik Ten Hag and explained that he felt ‘betrayed’ by the Dutchman and the hierarchy at Manchester United.

The 37-year-old had previously expressed a desire to leave Man United during the summer transfer window and admitted during his interview with Morgan that he has “no respect” for Ten Hag.

Cristiano Ronaldo was formerly the highest paid player in the Premier League and the news of his departure is likely to attract interest from a number of Europe’s elite clubs. But how much did Ronaldo earn at Old Trafford and where is he likely to go next after his departure from the club?

Here is everything you need to know.

When did Manchester United re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo?

In August 2021, Manchester United agreed to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus for a fee of around £12.8 million.

Despite being 36 at the time, the move captured the imagination of Man United fans around the world and it was hoped that he would be the man to propel the club back to the top of the Premier League.

Ronaldo remains the last player to win the Ballon d’Or whilst playing in the Premier League and the Portuguese forward played a pivotal role in helping Manchester United to their most recent Champions League title in 2008.

How much did Cristiano Ronaldo earn at Manchester United?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United was one of the most high-profile transfers in Premier League history and it is little surprise that the Portuguese star was the highest paid player in the league during his time at Old Trafford.

The 37-year-old striker was reportedly earning a wage of around £515,000 a week at Old Trafford despite spending most of his final months at the club as a substitute. This wage was likely to be substantially higher when factoring in other clauses such as Ronaldo’s lucrative sponsorship deals and performance based bonuses.

Ronaldo’s contract at Manchester United was due to expire on 30 June 2023, which would have taken him to the end of the current season.

However, following talks between Ronaldo and the Manchester United board it was decided that it would be mutually beneficial for both parties to end his contract early. It is understood that a settlement fee was not part of the termination meaning that Manchester United are saving around £16 million pound by ending Ronaldo’s contract early according to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy.

What was said following Ronaldo’s exit?

Manchester United shared a message on the club website which thanked Cristiano Ronaldo for his contribution across his two spells at Old Trafford.

The statement read: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect. The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future. Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik Ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”

Ronaldo wished his club every success for the future but claimed it was the right time to seek a new challenge. Ronaldo said: “Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contact early. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change.

“However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.”

Where next for Ronaldo?

Ronaldo’s exit from Old Trafford is likely to spark interest from a series of Europe’s elite clubs.

Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for Ronaldo during the summer transfer window and they have currently emerged as the favourites to sign the Portuguese star.

Ronaldo’s former club Sporting Lisbon are also heavily linked with a move for the 37-year-old. Ronaldo started his career at Sporting Lisbon and came through the academy at the club.

Other rumours include a move to high-flying Newcastle and a move to join Messi at Paris Saint Germain.

Here are the current top 10 favourites to sign Ronaldo according to Sky Bet. (odds correct as of 23 November 2022)

• Chelsea - 11/4
• Sporting Libson - 3/1
• Any MLS club - 4/1
• Newcastle - 6/1
• PSG - 7/1
• Real Madrid - 7/1
• Bayern Munich - 10/1
• Any Saudi Pro League Club - 12/1
• Napoli - 14/1
• Roma - 14/1