Cristiano Ronaldo buys $18.5 million New York loft apartment

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.

According to the Warburg reality website, the loft was built in 1983 and its interiors have been created by world-renowned designer Juan Pablo Molyneux.

A source told the New York Post that E.L. James, the author of '50 Shades of Grey', was inspired by the luxurious surroundings of the apartment to create the novel's notorious bachelor pad owned by the lead character, Christian Grey.  

The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom apartment is situated on 5th Avenue, 56th Street and is 'regarded as one of Manhattan's most prestigious and secure' places to live.

It 'boasts spectacular panoramic views of Central Park to the north, sweeping west to the Hudson River, and then south with breathtaking views of Manhattan's most iconic buildings, including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and Freedom Tower.' 

Trump Tower residents have access to a large fitness center, 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 he earned $79million last year in salary, bonus and endorsements - putting him ahead of rival Lionel Messi, who was in second place. 

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

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

Ronaldo, who split with his long-term girlfriend Irina Shayk at the start of the year, is thought to be considering a move to America's Major League Soccer when his Madrid contract ends in 2018.

Sports Illustrated reports that 'multiple sources' claim the 30-year-old Portugal international is open to a move across the Atlantic when his current deal ends.

(dailymail.co.uk)