London, June 12 Spanish football giants Real Madrid are likely to earn about 500 million pounds from marketing Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, their latest recruit.

According to The Sun, not only will Ronaldo help maintain Real as the richest club on earth, but his 80 million pound capture gives them a huge boost in their battle with Manchester United for world domination.

Real president Florentino Perez coughed up the astonishing sum because he knows Ronaldo will "pay for himself".

A top Madrid source said: "He would be a great commercial asset and he could be worth up to 510 million pounds over a 10-year period.

"Beckham helped Real overtake United as the club with the highest proceeds. Ronaldo could be the difference in the next five to 10 years," the source added.

Perez's predecessor Ramon Calderon did the groundwork to land Ronaldo. Calderon said: "Football is a sport but for clubs like Real Madrid it's showbiz.

"We combine having the best players and winning titles and also getting money. Ronaldo can produce a lot of money."

Real have just finished the third year of a seven-year TV contract worth over 880 million pounds. But with the arrival of Ronaldo they believe they will extend it - and even renegotiate it upwards.

A huge hike in their shirt sponsorship with Adidas will also be on the cards. (ANI)