After spending three years playing alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, former Manchester Utd, West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and Poland goalkeeper, Tomasz Kuszczak, describes how important it was for CR7 to return to Old Trafford.

“Massive. I mean for me, straight away when I heard the news that there could be a possibility that Cristiano could join Man United again, this was a massive statement because this is what Man United has needed for a long time.

"He is someone who can lift the club from the average time it’s had since Sir Alex Ferguson left because being honest, the last couple of years, Man United have been disappointing.

The fans haven’t been happy and with players coming and going, different coaches, they couldn't find a rhythm.

But Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken over as manager the team has been progressing and now they’ve signed Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the best player in the world, in my eyes – obviously I had a chance to play with him.

"Cristiano is the player who going to change everything. And even after the first game against Newcastle, he’s had a massive impact. We could already see the difference in the fans, the team, the way they play. It’s massive.”

How much is Cristiano Ronaldo worth? Our writer looks at CR7's estimated wealth...

Despite numerous links to the blue side of Manchester, the 39-year-old knew that there was only one team in Manchester that the Portuguese man would be joining.

“For me as a Manchester United fan and former player, it wasn't even a question that Cristiano would go to Manchester City. I know Cristiano from my time at Man United and he loved the club. He always would say how much he loved it.

"It was a great time in his career for him. City is a fantastic club, they’re going through a great spell, they’ve got great players and no doubt that you know they would love to have had Cristiano, but he was also going back to United.”

Kuszczak, who only retired two years ago back in 2019 after finishing his career at Birmingham City, knew that Cristiano was destined for glory from the minute he stepped foot into the club

“Cristiano is someone I learned a lot from, despite him being the younger player that he was. To have somebody like that around, somebody who really believed that they were going to be the best player in the world was amazing.

"His mentality as a young guy was phenomenal. I would spend hours doing extra training with Ronaldo, he would say ‘Let's stay for 10 more minutes” then it’d be 20 minutes, few more shots.

"Ronaldo was the one player who always wanted to carry on – nothing was ever enough.

"He dedicated his life to football, I know many players do this and it’s not just Cristiano, but Cristiano was one of those players that you could feel that he was going to something big from very beginning. And he did.

"He won so many trophies, he scored so many goals. He was awarded the best player in the world multiple times.

"But I will always remember him as a great guy, a really hard-working guy with the plan, someone who believed so much on his abilities. Confidence is the most important thing in football, and he had it.”

Tomasz also insisted that Cristiano was as a good a man off the pitch as he was on it.

“He was fantastic. What can I say? We spent four years together, every day, and sometimes I would ask him for favours, and he would always be the first to help.

"For someone who has achieved such great things in his life, someone who is so influential, he always wanted to help. He was a very down to earth, normal person and I loved that about him because I feel like I’m the same. He is a top guy with so much respect.”

Moving on to the current Manchester United team, the former Poland international is confident that this crop of players can challenge for top spot – claiming Ronaldo will have a huge part to play in this.

“Yes, with Ronaldo and coming off the back of last season where the team progressed from the previous season, I think they’re a very strong team.

"They had a good Premier League campaign, were unlucky to lose in the Europa League final, these things happen, their record got better and better as the season went on and with Cristiano joining the club, I think they’re only going to get better.

"I read today that Paul Pogba is now contemplating re-signing with the club and I think he should. I think he should because this feels like the right team to get Man United as a club back on track. This team is going in the right direction.

"Cristiano is a great addition to some already fantastic players such as Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Jesse Lingard and so on. It feels like everyone is just doing a little bit more this season, especially since Cristiano’s arrival.

"Ronaldo has the type of personality that will make everyone step up their game that little bit more. Cristiano came back to the club to win trophies, not to just play – he will want to win trophies.”

Popular in Premier League predictions this season, Manchester United could challenge for silverware with Ronaldo leading the line...

Having made 32 appearances for Manchester United as goalkeeper, Tomasz provided insight on what it’s like for a manager to decide between two goalkeepers who, in the own right, are good enough for a number 1 spot.

“Both goalkeepers have done extremely well when given their chance. It’s great to have to two keepers like that – it’s like when I was at Man Utd playing under Sir Alex, he would always give me a chance and play me, even when Edwin Van Der Sar was playing well.

"Being the second-choice goalkeeper is always difficult because there is no guarantee that you will play during the season because nobody likes to change goalkeepers too regularly and many coaches think that the goalkeeper offers stability to the team and if one goalkeeper doing well, they’re in the team every week.

"Ole can trust them both and he’s got two fantastic keepers. It's difficult to say who I think should be the starting goalkeeper. David has started the campaign and playing very well making good saves at important moments.

"I'm sure that Dean is going to push him all the way and maybe we're going to see a similar situation to last year where they will both play.”

During Tomasz’s spell at the club, he played in teams alongside some of the best defenders the Premier League has seen, but where does the current line-up of Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka compare?

“I played with defence where I didn’t need to do much to be honest – Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Gary Neville where the main ones at the time but even then, players like Valencia, Rafael.

"Comparing that defence to the defence now is tough and will take time. When they start breaking records of clean sheets like the old Man Utd defence did then we can talk and compare.

"I must admit, there were times where I wouldn’t play for three weeks and then Sir Alex would come and say “okay, you’re playing the Champions League game this week.” So, I’d say “yes, fantastic. Thank you” and I’d be really happy to being playing a team like Rangers at home.

"In my head I would be thinking “Let's make some good save, let’s impress the manager, impress the fans at Old Trafford.” But then all I had to do in 90 minutes was take three goal-kicks and I was like surprisingly disappointed.

"I’d say to myself “how can I impress if all I get to do is take goal-kicks?” But that was my defenders – there were many games like that.

"Some games were obviously more difficult, but I remember how good that defence was on games like that where I didn't even have to dive once or twice, maybe once. I think this defence will, in time, show how strong they are though.”

With the upcoming transfer windows set to be as exciting as the summer just gone, Tomasz provided his thoughts on players, if any, Man Utd should have their sights on

“I had been thinking about this for a while but now that Ronaldo has arrived – I’m not sure? I think the first six months are really going to show how much this team will improve and how much he can help this team moving forward.

"I think Man United have got some fantastic players in their squad. There are players like Rashford who I think are unbelievable, but can he play better? Can he take his game to the next level, or should we be looking for somebody else?

"We forget that Man Utd still have great squad players like Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard. In my eyes, they don't need anything. When I was at United, we didn't really sign loads of players, maybe one or two players a season.

"Sir Alex Ferguson was very careful with this, he trusted his players, he reminded his players that he knew we were good, and we could play. I hope we're going to start having the same problem.”

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 15th September 2021

• Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

• Having moved back to Manchester United aged 36, he shows little sign of ageing.

• His immense skill and marketability have ensured a massive net worth.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on 5th February 1985 in Madeira, and grew up there, until at the age of 12, a three-day trial at Sporting CP saw him sign for the club and move to the mainland.

It would be six years later however, when signing for Manchester United that his generational talent was displayed to global football fans.

How Much Does Ronaldo Earn?

He would develop into one of the greatest footballers of all time, going on to play for Real Madrid and Juventus before returning to United aged 36 in the summer of 2021.

His good looks, will to succeed and prodigious talent have seen him amass huge personal wealth.

Cristiano Ronaldo Estimated Wealth

Ronaldo has an estimated wealth of $500 million (£363 million), though due to his many business interests, sponsorship deals and other revenue streams, it is a figure that is constantly in flux and impossible to define.

In 2021, Forbes placed Ronaldo third in their list of the world’s highest paid athletes, just behind Lionel Messi, with an annual income of £87 million, the majority of which is earned off the pitch.

Across a long career, his salaries have topped a remarkable £500 million.

His final contract at Real Madrid before moving to Juventus was worth £365,000 a week plus bonuses, which then rose to £500,000 per week after he moved to Italy.

However, such is the marketability of Ronaldo, his earnings through sponsorship deals eclipses his wages for playing football.

Add to this a substantial property portfolio and collection of supercars, and it is clear that Ronaldo will continue to earn huge sums even after he stops playing, and his wealth will continue to rise for some time with further success bound to follow.

Use our online betting offers to get the best bets on his new club in the coming seasons.

What Is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Salary?

After returning to Manchester United, it emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo will earn a cool £480,000 per week during his second stint at the club.

His salary at United ensures he is the Premier League’s top earner at the age of 36, ahead of his teammate David De Gea, and equates to almost £3000 per hour, or £50 every minute of the day.

Nevertheless, this constitutes a pay cut compared to his £26 million a year salary at Juventus, but will no doubt be topped up with bonuses should certain targets be met.

With a two-year contract signed, and the option of a third year, Ronaldo is guaranteed stellar earnings until at least the age of 38.

Financially, the return of Ronaldo to his former club will be beneficial both to him and Manchester United while Premier league betting odds on his possible impact suggest he may be worth every penny.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sponsorships

Cristiano Ronaldo has a vast array of sponsorship deals, as you would expect for the most marketable footballer in the world.

In fact, he is only the third athlete ever to sign a lifetime deal with Nike in 2016, which it is thought will be worth $1 billion, a continuation of a partnership that began in 2003.

In addition, he has a long list of endorsement deals with the likes of Armani, Tag Heuer, Castrol and PokerStars, all of whom know that associating with him is very good for business, especially considering his unparalleled social media reach.

One of Ronaldo’s main sponsorship deals is with Herbalife, a global nutrition company, having signed up with them in 2013 by launching a sports drink, since when he has been a brand ambassador.

These endorsements make Ronaldo £40 million per year.

What Businesses Does Ronaldo Own?

Ronaldo’s businesses revolve around his own trademark – CR7 – that refers to his initials and the shirt number he has worn for most of his career.

This trademark alone accounts for a quarter of his income and on his official website, the products are listed under eyewear, footwear, underwear, denim and fragrances sections.

For a man whose image is so important, it is of little surprise he has many interests linked to the fashion world.

As part of his business empire, Ronaldo has opened two hotels in Portugal, with further ones planned for Paris and New York.

Add to all this stakes in fitness centres, restaurants and even a hair clinic, and you begin to understand the reach of his business empire. Ronaldo7 is an instantly recognisable brand around the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo New House

Cristiano Ronaldo has wasted no time getting settled back into English life by moving into a multi-million mansion with his partner Georgina Rodriguez, who he has been with for five years, and their four children.

The seven-bedroom property comes with all the extras you would expect from a world class footballer’s home. There is a swimming pool, cinema room, with red couches of course, plus a gym, spa and huge open dining area and lounge.

The property will even be patrolled by a six-man security team to ensure privacy and safety for the Ronaldo family at all times, which may be needed to watch over a £17 million supercar collection that includes a Bugatti Chiron.

Those who enjoy betting on football and have benefited from his talents down the years will appreciate how his dedication and hard work have earned such rewards.

Cristiano Ronaldo Social Media

Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo has a huge social media reach that exceeds that of any other footballer, no doubt adding further fuel to the Messi vs Ronaldo debate.

With a massive 340 million followers on Instagram, he has the highest earning power on the platform, earning up to £1.2 million per sponsored post, and has more followers than anyone else.

In 2020, his social media posts delivered £55 million in value to his sponsors, a figure set to rise in 2021.

With 94 million followers on his Twitter account, and 149 million followers on Facebook, it is clear to see the huge reach the player has on social media, especially considering that in February 2021 he became the first person to have over 500 million followers across all social media platforms.

• It’s time for some football nostalgia with a look at the 1990s

• We’ve picked out the best footballers of the decade and a selection of cult heroes 

• Read below for more on football in the 90s, featuring fan favourites and Ballon d’Or winners

Looked back upon fondly by those who bet on football, the 1990s was a decade of major change across the sport. The money involved soared, the Premier League was created, and some of the greatest teams of all-time were formed.

The balance of power in Europe was different to the 2020s. Italy reigned supreme through much of the 90s with Serie A clubs featuring in eight European Cup/Champions League finals in the decade.

English football was re-establishing itself on the biggest stage, capped off by Manchester United’s treble in 1999.

An influx of foreign talent boosted the standard of the top flight of the English game. On the international stage, Denmark and Germany became European champions.

Germany kicked the decade off with a World Cup win in Italy followed by Brazil’s triumph stateside and France’s glory on home soil.

The football tips landscape was different. The 90s was a unique time with loud kits and big personalities. Let’s take a look at some of the decade’s iconic figures…

Best 90s Footballers

Zinedine Zidane

Winning the Ballon d’Or in 1998 after a third-placed finish the year before, Zinedine Zidane was the best player in the world for several years in the 90s.

The star of France’s World Cup win and excelling as Juventus won back-to-back league titles, Zidane had the team success to accompany the widespread praise for his individual skill. His awareness on the field set him apart from mere mortals.

The ability to retain possession in the tightest of situations was unmatched throughout the 90s, and once he’d kept the ball, he had the vision and technique to pick out a teammate or find the net himself.

While not a goal scoring favourite in betting odds, Zidane could bend matches to his will in a way that few players can at the highest level.

Paolo Maldini

Starting his club career in 1984 and playing until 2009, Paolo Maldini would be included among the best footballers from the 1980s and 2000s, too. That’s how great he was for so long for Italy and Milan.

Whether used at full-back or in the heart of defence, Maldini was immense. His defending was seldom spectacular, but he didn’t need it to be, thanks to his unwavering calm and ability to read the game.

He won five Scudetti and a Champions League with Milan in the 90s. Wearing the blue of Italy, the one-club man picked up a World Cup runners-up and third place medal in 1994 and 1990 respectively.

Alan Shearer

For Blackburn and then Newcastle, Alan Shearer dominated Premier League predictions in the 90s.

An old school centre forward in a modernising English game, Shearer terrorised defenders as Blackburn won the title in 1995 and he became the world’s most expensive player the following summer.

Shearer was named in the Team of the Year six times in the 90s. He finished third in the 1996 Ballon d’Or, won the Golden Boot at Euro 96 and finished as the Premier League’s top scorer in three consecutive seasons.

Ronaldo

With a nickname like O Fenômeno (The Phenomenon) and two Ballons d’Or to his name, the original Ronaldo was obviously one of the best 90s footballers.

Establishing himself in Europe with PSV in 1994, Barcelona then Inter broke the world record fee to sign him.

Ronaldo, like many players from his era, is remembered fondly. Many label him as the greatest striker they’ve seen. Injuries ultimately cut short his prime and meant his career statistics are not as gaudy as they could have been.

Peak Ronaldo was like no other, though. It is not rose-tinted to suggest he’s the best centre forward of the last three decades.

Cult 90s Footballers

Tino Asprilla

Signed by Kevin Keegan at Newcastle in 1996, Tino Asprilla had a perfect start to life in English football, starring as the Magpies beat Middlesbrough.

While entertaining on the pitch, and providing Newcastle fans with some memorable moments (including a hat-trick against Barcelona), it was Asprilla’s life away from St James’ Park which drew the most attention.

Asprilla had a reputation for enjoying a night out or two. Speaking to FourFourTwo, he said, "The women were divine. I had...well, I don't know how many girlfriends I had in Newcastle. At the beginning I didn't even understand what they said."

Unpredictable and possessing supreme natural talent, Asprilla was must-watch whether up front, behind the striker or on the wing. He finished with 18 goals for the Magpies across two and a half campaigns.

Juninho

When Juninho penned a contract with Middlesbrough in 1995, Brazilians were not commonplace in the Premier League.

His arrival was greeted with a tidal wave of excitement in the northeast as Boro added flair and unquestionable star quality to their ranks.

Standing at just 5’5 but with mesmerising close control, Juninho was immediately effective in the Premier League and enhanced his cult status with tales of joining in street football in the city.

A torrid 1996/97 saw the club lose two finals and get relegated. Juninho departed that summer for Spain, though he returned on loan a couple of years later and re-signed permanently in 2002.

Tony Yeboah

For a player who made just 66 starts for Leeds, Tony Yeboah has a rock-solid place in English football history. The return of 32 goals is impressive enough, but the Ghanian striker’s legacy is built upon the nature of his goals.

Frequently scoring screamers, Yeboah’s two thunderous volleys against Wimbledon and Liverpool are among the best goals in Premier League history.

Yeboah was adored in Leeds and beyond. He left Yorkshire after a couple of seasons, but he will forever be remembered fondly by the Elland Road faithful.

Gianfranco Zola

It’s hard to be universally liked in football. Gianfranco Zola must be pretty close to that feat.

Always playing with a smile and often leaving spectators with a similar grin, Zola didn’t rack up huge goal tallies, yet he was integral to successful Chelsea sides in the pre-Abramovich era.

Quickly winning FWA Player of the Year upon his arrival in England, Zola was the star man as the Blues won a couple of FA Cups, a League Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the late 90s.

He might have never lifted the Premier League trophy, but the diminutive Italian was voted as Chelsea’s best ever player in 2003.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Patrick Gardin / AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 11th September 2021