Gareth Bale's new six-year Real Madrid contract will see the Welshman reportedly rake in well in excess of 115 million euros (US$126 million) as the Spanish giants bet on Bale to lead another glorious era at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bale, who has won two Champions League titles in three years in Spain, solidifies his position as one of the highest earners in football along with the likes of Real team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Neymar.
The flying winger, 27, is set to take home as much as £350,000 a week after tax, according to British media, though figures vary wildly.
"That's for me to know and no one else to find out, sorry," said a smiling Bale when quizzed on his new salary.
However, Ronaldo looks set to retain his status as top dog of the pay packets at the Bernabeu with the Portuguese expected to become the latest Madrid star to extend his deal in the coming weeks.
Real have already handed lucrative renewals to Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez to hold onto their key men with a one-year transfer ban imposed by FIFA to come over the next two transfer windows.
Madrid and arch rivals Barcelona have embarked on a fleet of renewals to ward off interest from the cash-rich Premier League, backed by a £5 billion ($6 billion) domestic TV deal.
Bale joined Real for a then-world record fee of just over 100 million euros from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.
That figure has since been eclipsed by Paul Pogba's 105-million-euro move to Manchester United in August.
"It's Real Madrid, it is the biggest club in the world," Bale added, rejecting any notion he could return to England, where he was crowned Premier League Player of the Year in for the 2010/2011 and 2012/2013 seasons.
"When an opportunity to play for Real Madrid comes up, you don't turn it down."
Madrid have topped the Deloitte Football Money League for the past 11 years as the highest earning club, but were overtaken last season by Barca.
Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed at the club's annual general meeting on Saturday that contract negotiations with Luis Suarez and Messi are also under way after Neymar recently extended his deal to 2021.
Bale the future for Real
Despite the desire to keep 31-year-old Ronaldo at the Bernabeu for the rest of his career, Real president Florentino Perez has long believed Bale is the man to succeed Ronaldo as Real's best and most marketable player.
Bale has enjoyed and endured plenty of ups and downs in his three seasons in the Spanish capital.
Goals to win the 2014 Champions League and Copa del Rey finals made him an instant hit.
However, he suffered from stinging criticism and was jeered by the Real fans towards the end of his second season as Madrid ended the campaign trophyless under Carlo Ancelotti.
Yet Perez's faith and belief for the future was only emboldened by Bale's sensational form towards the end of last season with Ronaldo a more peripheral figure due to a recurring knee injury.
Bale led Madrid on a 12-game winning run to end the La Liga season to miss out on the title by just a point and to an 11th European Cup with a penalty shootout win over city rivals Atletico Madrid.
His performances in inspiring Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals -- their best run in a major finals -- confirmed his status as one of the world's best.
And a first ever place on the podium for the Ballon d'Or could follow after Bale was named among the 30 nominees for the prize last week.
AFP
Mon Oct 31 2016
Bale smiles during a news conference after extending his contract with the club at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Oct 31, 2016. - Reuters
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.