Rio signs new 5 year deal at Man Utd

Rio Ferdinand has been having the season of his life. He has been captain of United on numerous occasions, and has now had the glorious honour of captaining his country - a proud moment for any footballer. And with only two years remaining on his current contract, United brought forward their plans for a new contract with Rio and have reportedly offered him a five year deal, till Rio is 34, at £130,000 a week. There is no question that Rio has been a phenominal presence in the United defence this season, and in fact, for past seasons as well. This time last year, Rio missed both legs of the Champions League semi final against AC Milan, and United lost. This season, he has not only hobbled on to the field to play with a bruised foot, and but he has also played with numerous stiches in a foot as well. United know how vital he is to their success. Vidic and Ferdinand have been the mainstays of the United team this season, creating a solid base from which the team can go forward. This could argued that this is where the other challengers to United's crown have suffered, with multiple pairings of centre halfs creating an unstable spine to their side. But the one question that Rio's new contract will raise is, is he worth £130,000 a week? Or is any footballer worth £130,000?

Since missing the infamous drugs test and the ensuing punishment, Rio has gone from strength to strength, playing with confidence, swagger, and even trying his hand in goal for United. £130,000 may seem over the top, but in a market where money talks, if a club is not prepared to pay the big bucks, then someone else will. The financial backing, along with success on and off the field for United, means they are an attractive proposition to footballers. Remember that a sporting career is not a long one, and even with so many options after a career is over, players do have to plan for the future. One Wayne Rooney already has an extensive property portfolio, an investment for later in life, and players will want to maximise their potential during their short careers.

Is £130,000 too much to pay for one weeks wages for one footballer. Rio Ferdinand is at the top of his game right now, and if you want the best, you have to pay the best.

One question this reported contract offer does bring up, is how much will contracts be in the future? Or how much will someone like Cristiano Ronaldo be able to demand upon his next contract renewal? Will this be the beginning of the first £1/4 million a week footballer? It could well be.