Cristiano Ronaldo ‘took home six-figure bonus payment’ days before telling Manchester United he wanted to leave

The bonus was agreed as part of his return to the club

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly pocketed a 'six figure' bonus payment just days before he told Manchester United that he wanted to leave this summer. As reported by The Sun, insiders at Old Trafford have revealed that the Portuguese international received the staggering figure as soon as the second year of his contract kicked in last month. The bonus was agreed as part of the deal he signed for his United return last year. A source at the club has told the publication: "The contracts all renew at the start of July and then the news about Cristiano wanting to leave came out." https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/1545892439889788928

Man United insiders insist it's not an outright loyalty clause

The former Real Madrid man was forced to take a hefty pay cut after leaving Juventus for the Red Devils, with his salary dropping by almost 50 per cent. However, in order to compensate, the Premier League club inserted a number of annual bonuses into his contract. Insiders at the club insist that the six-figure sum is not an outright loyalty clause, but rather is made up predominantly by image rights, goalscorer bonuses and other incentives.

Timing of Ronaldo situation criticised

The Sun add that the timing of the bonus payment has led to some confusion, given that Ronaldo reportedly asked to leave Old Trafford shortly after the clause was met.

The insider added: "He's done nothing wrong, but a few people have suggested the timing of it all might not be a coincidence and Ronny [Ronaldo] could have revealed his wish to leave weeks ago."

Ronaldo - who has 12 months left on his contract - wants to leave United, but the Red Devils continue to insist that he is not for sale. The frontman has not travelled with his team-mates for their pre-season tour, and a number of clubs are interested in securing his signature. He bagged 24 goals in 38 games across all competitions last season, with United finishing sixth in the Premier League. Related links:

• Manchester United ‘hold back’ special Cristiano Ronaldo advert, but show him in new kit
• Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia