has renewed his contract and will be staying at Real Madrid till 2018. This renewal makes Ronaldo the highest-paid player in Spanish football, with a salary of €17 million net for each of the next five seasons, which is one million more than Messi gets.

Until now, Ronaldo owned 60% of his image rights, the other 40% going to Real Madrid. But now he will increase that percentage, although the club is also reserving the right to guarantee itself some kind of economic return on the investment, with the income generated by Cristiano Ronaldo's publicity deals.

In Los Angeles, Florentino Pérez and Cristiano Ronaldo have at last had their long awaited chat, sorting out past misunderstandings, which had meant that there was a something of a chill in the relationship between the two of them during last season. "It is clear that there is now a better understanding between them", say the people around both of them.

For Cristiano, renewing his contract was never going to be just about money, but also about affection. Feeling loved. Now he feels protected by the president, by the club, by his team-mates and by the fans. The Santiago Bernabéu idolises him and Ronaldo has become ensconced as the unchallenged leader of the team.

Real Madrid's intention is to make an official announcement of the agreement before the league season begins on 17 August. And of course if by then the signing of Bale has been sealed and he can be presented at the Bernabéu, so much the better.

Florentino apart, the key figure in ensuring that Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Real Madrid till he retires has been Jorge Mendes, the player's agent. On two occasions he has mediated, and on others he has acted as counsellor when agreements were being reached between the player and the president. It was Mendes himself who persuaded Cristiano Ronaldo that he was not going to find anywhere in the world a better club than Real Madrid. "Where would you be better off than you are here?" he is understood to have said to CR7.

Cristiano Ronaldo, white for life

Andrés Iniesta was one the ones chosen to speak in today's press conference in Bangkok and he made the most of his appearance to praise Neymar: "I don't think he needs much time to adapt. When you're one of the best and you come into our team, you adapt quickly. He's come from playing a different kind of football, but he will make a big contribution. His signing can only be positive for us."

He also expressed his support for Cesc Fàbregas: "In my view, he's indisputable in this Barça side. My teammates are always the best and the important thing is that the competition makes us better than everyone else, because at the end of the day it's the team that wins titles, not the individuals. He is a fundamental player for us. He has always performed brilliantly and he will do again."

Iniesta said that the purpose of the tour is to prepare "to start the competition in perfect shape". Finally, he looked ahead to the league which kicks off in two weeks' time: "The aim is to win it again. We're not thinking about points, because it's almost impossible to score 100 again."

The Spanish international took the opportunity to thank the Thai fans for "the welcome and their support", because "it's not easy to come here and it's important for them". "We hope we've given them a good impression of the players and the club," he remarked.

Iniesta: "I don't think Neymar needs much time to adapt"

Neymar: "Now I feel fine and ready for training"

Neymar spoke in Bangkok earlier about suffering from anaemia, which has led to a weight loss of 7 kilos: "I'm better. The medical staff have been treating me, but now I feel fine. I'm ready for training", he said during the presentation of his new Nike boots.

The Brazilian is keen for the league campaign to begin and to help Barça fight to win all possible trophies: "I've got great expectations. I want to play well and adapt as early as possible. I hope it'll be a special season and to win many trophies"

Barcelona 8:0 Santos , Goals and Highlights.

Bale arrives late for Spurs training.

Gareth Bale arrived at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground today, Tuesday, amidst growing rumours of his imminent move to Real Madrid. However, the Welshman arrived in Enfield five minutes later than scheduled.

The Spurs training session started at 10:30 am. The players usually get there half an hour beforehand to get ready, but Bale showed up at 10:35 am with the squad already training on the pitch.

The London club's star player scored a total of 26 goals last season, but has not played a match since 16th July.

Ronaldo: "We'll talk about my future later on"

Cristiano Ronaldo weaved his way past the questions thrown at him with the same dexterity he shows on the pitch.

The Portuguese will not speak about his future until the club officially announces the renewal deal that was agreed one month ago.

"The situation has still not been resolved. I don't want to speak about that, because it's not the right moment. I just want to focus on playing and getting myself ready", he said.

Ronaldo also briefly responded to comments made by Florentino Pérez, two weeks ago in 'L'Équipe', when the Real president said the player would certainly retire at the club: "I do my job. I'm not going to confirm anything. At the moment, I'm a Real Madrid player and I'm happy where I am. We'll see about the future".