Cristiano Ronaldo's former bodyguard has revealed how much he earned during his time working for the Portuguese superstar and offered insight into what the 40-year-old is like away from the pitch. Not only is the former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of boots, but he is also one of the most recognisable faces on the planet.
As such, Ronaldo is frequently bombarded by fans asking for photos and autographs, meaning that having security is paramount to ensure his safety. One might assume that being handed that responsibility would come with significant financial reward - and while the bodyguard's earnings were by no means modest, the total amount may still come as a surprise to some.
Who is Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Chueko Related
Why Lionel Messi's Bodyguard Yassine Cheuko Has Been Banned by MLS and CONCACAF
Yassine Cheuko has become viral for his training videos and his protection of Messi, but the MLS have put a stop to it.
Ronaldo's Former Bodyguard Earned £850 Per Day
Hichman Bukhari detailed what sort of profile the football icon was
Speaking in an interview with Telecinco, as translated by the Daily Mail, Ronaldo's former security guard, Hichman Bukhari, revealed that he used to earn £850 per day working for the Portuguese legend. This would mean that, should Bukhari — who has a social media following of over 127,000 people — have worked five days a week for 52 weeks a year, he would walk away with £221,000 p/a.
Bukhari worked with the striker and his family for four years during his time at Real Madrid and was seen accompanying the footballer at man high-profile events.
Despite Ronaldo's notoriety, Bukhari did, however, explain that he was not considered to be a 'high-risk' client:
"Our work depends on the client's profile. In the case of Cristiano, with whom I worked for four years, his profile wasn't high-risk because people didn't want to kill him, and he didn't receive death threats. He was threatened by fans or people who wanted to rob him.
"We always have to know where we're going, who will be there, and have clear entry and exit points, as well as contact points. We must always be aware that our lives could be at risk. We have to be willing to protect a person, and sometimes we have to give our lives to protect them. If I have to use weapons, I will use them. The most important thing is having the ability to think quickly, solve problems, and remain calm in difficult situations."
Fans have also speculated what Ronaldo is like to work with, with one referee giving his account of what it is like officiating the 40-year-old. However, Bukhari described the forward as his “best boss” and explained how they still have a good relationship.
"He is the best boss I've ever had," the close protection operative explained. "We have a good relationship.
cristiano-ronaldo-on-portugal-duty Related
Cristiano Ronaldo protected from pitch invader by quick thinking of Ruben Dias
The Manchester City ace was forced to step in as the pitch invader made a beeline for his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo...
"Working with him wasn't like working with someone threatened with death or kidnap. We had some silly incidents with paparazzi or crazy fans, but nothing major."