Real Madrid transfer news: Chinese club have €300m Cristiano Ronaldo offer rejected, says agent Jorge Mendes
But his agent called the move 'impossible'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cristiano Ronaldo was made the subject of a world record-shattering £256.6m bid from an unnamed club from the Chinese Super League and offered an £85m-a-year salary, his agent has revealed.
Ronaldo previously held the title as the world’s most expensive player in 2009 when he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid in an £80m move before Gareth Bale, and more recently Paul Pogba, took the mantle.
The deal to take Ronaldo to China would have nearly tripled to fee United paid for Pogba this summer, while the salary on offer of £1.65m-a-week would have blown his current £288,000-a-week out of the water.
However, Jorge Mendes insisted that it would be “impossible” to sign the four-time Ballon d’Or winner and that his heart belongs to Real Madrid.
"From China, they've offered €300m (£256.6m) to Real Madrid and more than €100m (£85m) per year to the player,” Mendes told Sky Sports Italia.
"But money is not everything. Real Madrid is his life. Cristiano is happy at Real Madrid and it is impossible to go to China.
"The Chinese market is a new market. They can buy a lot of players, but then again it is impossible to go for Ronaldo. Cristiano is the best player in the world and best ever. It is normal to have some offers.
"He won the European Championship with Portugal, it's like winning the Italian league with Genoa: they were not the favourite."
The news came shortly after Carlos Tevez became the world’s best paid player by signing for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, while Chelsea midfielder Oscar joined their local rivals Shanghai SIPG.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments