Pay me more than what Messi earns, Ronaldo tells Real

Cristiano Ronaldo is demanding Real Madrid pay him ONE EURO more than Lionel Messi before agreeing on a new deal with the club.

Reports in Spain suggest Ronaldo wants his new contract to recognise him as the best player on the planet – and that means earning above the money Messi gets at Barcelona.

Messi recently agreed a new contract at the Nou Camp that will see him collect a staggering 40million Euros per season (£35m).

Real have opened negotiations with the Ronaldo camp about improving the terms of his existing deal which runs until the summer of 20121.

And Mundo Deportivo claim Ronaldo is asking for 40m and one Euros-a-year before he signs on the dotted line at the Bernabeu.

The 33-year-old currently being paid 30m Euros (£26m) annually by Real, which puts him third on the list of the biggest superstars in world football.

Messi’s new deal puts him just ahead of the 36.4m Euros-a-year Neymar is on at Paris Saint-Germain.

The report suggests Ronaldo is looking to be recognised as the biggest name in the game by getting Real to agree to the token figure above Messi’s deal.

Ex-Manchester United star Ronaldo believes he is the best attacker on the planet, and is citing the fact he was awarded the FIFA Best accolade last year.

And his camp believe the club should recognise the stellar career he has had since making the move to La Liga nine years ago.

He has scored over 300 league goals for the club since then, and Ronaldo is also said to feel his global fame helps bring millions into the commercial coffers of the club.

Negotiations are said to be ongoing over the deal, which although set to earn the player a pay rise, will not change the length of his current contract.

Ronaldo is currently training with the Portugal squad preparing to face Egypt tonight, where Mo Salah is hoping to show why he is now being regarded as one of the top players in the world.