Soccer ace Cristiano Ronaldo buys $18.5million New York loft apartment 'which inspired the setting for 50 Shades Of Grey'

 

• Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has bought the 2,509 square foot loft in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue
• The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom pad belonged to Donald Trump's business partner Alessandro Proto
• Apartment has been rendered by world-renowned designer Juan Pablo Molyneux and boasts spectacular views
• Ronaldo's purchase of the New York property comes after he earned an estimated $79m in 2014

Cristiano Ronaldo has bought a luxury apartment in New York for a staggering $18.5million (£11.8million).

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.

Luxury: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased this three-bedroom apartment in New York City for $18.5m (£11.8m)

Exclusive: The apartment is located in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, 56th Street and reportedly inspired novel '50 Shades of Grey'

This walk-in shower in one of the three-and-a-half bathrooms has an incredible view - and you will not be overlooked by neighbors

Grand: The loft belonged to Alessandro Proto, an Italian real-estate tycoon and business partner of owner Donald Trump

Work of art: The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom apartment was rendered by world-renowned designer Juan Pablo Molyneux

Move: Ronaldo's purchase of an apartment in Trump Tower will spark rumors the Portugal international will move to the Major League Soccer

Ronaldo, who split with long-term girlfriend Irina Shayk (pictured) this year, is reportedly open to a move across the Atlantic

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.

The loft was built in 1983 and features stunning views of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Freedom Tower

This galley kitchen features unusual lilac-colored cabinets with a small dining area and floor-to-ceiling windows at the back

Home: Trump Tower residents have access to a large fitness centre, in-house valet services and the building's restaurant, bar and shops

No doubt there is an awful lot to look at through the lens of this telescope thanks to the apartment's amazing views of New York

Ronaldo's new pad boasts spectacular panoramic views of Central Park (pictured) as well as Manhattan's most iconic buildings

The timing would fit with the planned first season of the new franchise Los Angeles Football Club, with Ronaldo said to prefer a move to California. 

Former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard recently made the switch to the city's existing team, LA Galaxy, where David Beckham spent five seasons.

However, Ronaldo's purchase of a New York pad might arouse the attention of New York Red Bulls and New York City.

Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry played for the Red Bulls, while New York City have Spain's all-time top goalscorer David Villa and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard on their books.