Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says Cristiano Ronaldo gives back more to the club than what they pay him.
Ronaldo, 31, signed a new contract with Madrid last month, keeping him at the club until 2021 and, according to Forbes, protecting his position the highest-paid athlete in the world.
Since signing the deal, the Portugal captain has gone on to score five goals in three games for Madrid to help them stay top of La Liga and qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League.
"Cristiano is special, his stats are scandalous," Perez told AFP. "We are delighted with Cristiano Ronaldo. He gives us more than we pay him. We have renewed his contract for five more years and we are very proud to have done so."
Perez also lavished praise on Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, who has just led the team to an unbeaten run of 32 games in all competitions.
"He changed the history of this club as a player and it was such an easy option for us [to appoint him]," he said. "He is someone who came here to offer a new and distinct future... It was obvious that he would do a great job. It has been a beautiful and eternal love story and that is why I am not surprised by the results he is getting and those that are still to come."
Zidane also guided Madrid to Champions League glory in May, beating rivals Atletico Madrid in the final.
"Zidane last year changed our lives," Perez said. "As well as working very well from a professional point of view, he has an authority with the players because he was a great player. He was one of the greatest ever. When he says things, when he speaks with the players, he has the recognition and the authority you have to have."