Football: Ronaldo signs Nike deal 'for life'

Real Madrid's Lucas Vazquez, left, and Marcelo, second right, congratulate Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo after he scored his side's first goal. Photo / AP

It has not been a bad week for Cristiano Ronaldo, or perhaps more specifically, Cristiano Ronaldo's bank balance.

Just a day after penning a new five-year deal with Real Madrid that will see him pocket £365,000-a-week after tax, Nike have announced their own new long-term endorsement deal with the Portuguese that sees him tied to the brand 'for life'.

It is sure to see Ronaldo earn an increase on the £14.1million-a-year he banked previously with the Oregon-based sportswear giant, with reports in America suggesting the contract is similar to the $1billion lifetime agreement in place with NBA star LeBron James.

The 31-year-old Real forward says he is part of the 'Nike family for life', whether or not the contract is similar to the lifetime deals the brand have in place with James and Michael Jordan is unclear.

David Beckham has shown the value in keeping a high-profile footballer on the books post-retirement to adidas and now rivals Nike appear to be moving in the same direction.

'I look at this new contract for life. I'm a member of the family but I have to say Nike, for me, it's the best,' said Ronaldo.

'They do things that no one else can do. I have a great relationship with this brand, I have great friends here in the company.

'They have specific people that work with me. This means a lot because it means I can give my feedback to them and they can listen to my opinion, so we work as family.

'They are very imaginative and they do unbelievable things. Sometimes they have surprises and I like surprises. This is my brand.

'Nike they are smart, they know how to pick the best one, so I'm happy because I'm one of them.

'This is the best contract I have in my whole career'

Nike have not confirmed the length or value of the deal but a company spokesman told The Sun: 'The successful partnership between Nike and Cristiano Ronaldo will continue well into the future with a new, long-term contract.

'Ronaldo is having yet another incredible year, for both club and country, and is unquestionably an icon of the game. He transcends football and is the most popular athlete on social media and the most famous athlete in the world.'