Real Madrid’s players are set to be handed record-breaking bonuses to match their historic season.
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos lifts the trophy after Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League final football match between Juventus and Real Madrid at The Principality Stadium in Cardiff, south Wales, on June 3, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
Zinedine Zidane’s side became the first club to successfully defend a Champions League title after defeating Juventus 4-1 in last Saturday’s final.
The 2016/17 season also saw Real win La Liga for the first time since 2012 and taste success in both the European Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Bonuses for the combined four trophies are understood to total almost £2million per player.
Last season was the first in 59 years that Real managed to clinch a domestic and European double, leading club president Florentino Perez to previously unseen levels of generosity. Real’s bonuses are decided not by contract clauses, as they are in the Premier League, but by the whim of the president.
Unsurprisingly, the rewards on and off the pitch have left numerous Real Madrid players reiterating their desire to stay at the club after suggestions they could leave.
Midfielder Isco, who is looking for a new deal, said: “If I knew that things would end like this, I’d take it every season.
“It’s Madrid’s third Champions League in four years and my third as a professional. I could’ve never dreamt of this, but it’s thanks to this family, who made it easier.
“The first half was much more difficult against a great team in all aspects. In the second half, we saw the best Madrid [performance] of the entire season.
“My contract? I hope to renew soon and there’s no better place to play football than Madrid.”
Gareth Bale added: “I am happy here at Madrid. We are winning trophies and I am happy.
“It’s three (Champions League) trophies in four years, not many people can say that. It’s great to be doing that and I want it to continue.
“I have signed a long term contract at Madrid. My family is happy and I am happy so yeah we will continue what we are doing.”
