The highest-paid soccer player in the world is no longer going to be Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi isn't the one claiming his throne.
After announcing that it has secured his rights from Inter Milan for a reported $39 million, Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala is going to pay Samuel Eto'o a reported $29 million per year over the next three seasons to make him the highest-paid player in the world by a wide margin. Ronaldo currently makes about $17.4 million, while Messi is behind him at $15.2 million.
The 30-year-old Eto'o has been one of the world's better goal-scoring forwards, tallying at a high rate for Inter and Barcelona over the last seven years while capturing three UEFA Champions League titles. Few would rate the Cameroonian striker as someone worthy of the world's top contract, though. He'll join former Brazilian international Roberto Carlos at Anzhi, which was bought by Russian oil tycoon Suleiman Kerimov in January.
What do you think about the transfer? Think Eto'o is nuts to leave Inter for Russia? Think Anzhi is nuts to pay that much for the transfer and player? Do you see things working out for both sides?
Share your thoughts below.