The 28-year-old Portuguese footballer renews his contract with Real Madrid, a professional and popular football club based in Madrid, Spain. It was confirmed by the club on Sunday as announced on its Web site.

"This is my home... I'm really happy here," said Cristiano Ronaldo.

He signed the deal which entails a 5-year contract with the Spanish football club. The footballer revealed that the deal was finalized around the end of the last season.

"It is a very special day for me. This is definitely a great club and I hope that I will get to play for this team until I give up football. I will do the best that I can," he added.

Real Madrid will invest a figure similar to that being paid to Gareth Bale. Reports said that Ronaldo is expected to receive a massive salary amounting to 15 million pounds every year, tax deducted and bonuses not included. It is equivalent to more than 23 million dollars.

"Money is not the most important. I do not really care if I am the first, second, or third most paid athlete in the club," Ronaldo said.

Earlier in the summer, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said that Ronaldo would retire in Madrid. "The day that he renewed his contract is a great day for Real Madrid," said Perez. "The best player in the world knows that this is his home forever. A home that demands the most of him, but also loves him the most," Perez added.

Last year, Ronaldo was reported feeling unhappy with Real, especially with Bale's arrival from Manchester United, breaking his record transfer fee, which was thought to have hurt his ego. However, his massive contract with Real until 2018 is absolutely a sign that the club still values him as its priority player.

Ronaldo is now believed to be that highest paid athlete in the football industry.