Cristiano Ronaldo buys $18.5m luxury New York loft apartment in Trump Tower

Cristiano Ronaldo buys $18.5m luxury New York loft apartment in Trump Tower 'which inspired setting of 50 Shades of Grey' 


Cristiano Ronaldo has bought a luxury apartment in New York for a staggering $18.5million (£11.8million).

The Real Madrid star - ranked by Forbes as the highest-paid team athlete in the world - has purchased a 2,509 sq ft loft in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, the New York Post has reported.



The exclusive apartment, which reportedly inspired the setting of the novel '50 Shades of Grey', belonged to Alessandro Proto, an Italian real-estate tycoon and business partner of owner and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump.

Luxury: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased this three-bedroom apartment in New York City for $18.5m (£11.8m) 

Grand: The loft belonged to Alessandro Proto, an Italian real-estate tycoon and business partner of owner Donald Trump 

Exclusive: The apartment is located in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, 56th Street and reportedly inspired novel '50 Shades of Grey' 

Work of art: The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom apartment rendered by world-renownded designer Juan Pablo Monyneux 

Move: Ronaldo's purchase of an apartment in Trump Tower will spark rumours the Portugal international will one day move to the MLS 

 The loft was built in 1983 and features stunning views of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Freedom Tower

Home: Trump Tower residents have access to a large fitness centre, in-house valet services and the building's restaurant, bar and shops 



In May, Forbes rated Ronaldo as the world's highest-paid team athlete and the highest-paid football player after earning $79 million last year in salary, bonus and endorsements, putting him ahead of rival Lionel Messi.

Three years after sealing his £80million switch to Real Madrid in 2009 from Manchester United, Ronaldo put his Cheshire home up for sale for $1.4m (£899,950).

Described as a 'handsome five-bedroom detached residence', the Stockport home featured five luxury bedrooms split on two floors.

A source told the New York Post author EL James was inspired by the luxurious surroundings of the apartment to create the novel's notorious bachelor pad owned by the lead character, Christian Grey.

Ronaldo is thought to be considering a move to the MLS when his Madrid contract ends in 2018.

Sports Illustrated reported 'multiple sources' have claimed the 30-year-old Portugal international was open to a move across the Atlantic when his current deal ends.[DAILY MAIL]

The timing would fit with the planned first season of new franchise Los Angeles Football Club, with Ronaldo said to prefer a move to California.

Former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard recently made the switch to the city's existing team, LA Galaxy, where David Beckham spent five seasons.

However, Ronaldo's purchase of a New York pad might arouse the attention of New York Red Bulls and New York City.

Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry played for Red Bulls, while New York City have Spain's all time top goalscorer David Villa and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard on their books.

Having split with long-term girlfriend Irina Shayk at the start of the year, Ronaldo has since been romantically linked with a number of women. [DAILY MAIL]