������

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has said he turned down a Saudi offer to make him the world’s highest-paid footballer.

Speaking to Talk TV on Thursday, Ronaldo confirmed rumours that he had received a £305 million (US$363 million) offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal.

"It's true, yes it's true," the Manchester forward said in response to a question about the bid, which was first reported by Spanish newspaper Marca.

The Portugal captain said he rejected the offer as he was “happy” at Old Trafford.

"It's hard, it's hard,” he added, addressing his decision to turn down the money. “But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here; that I still capable to score goals.”

The revelation came in a series of interviews the United forward gave with British journalist Piers Morgan this week, causing a stir among football fans. Ronaldo has spoken publicly for the first time about being sidelined at the club during his second and current stint there.

Ronaldo said he feels “betrayed” by Manchester United. He also took shot at the club’s owners, and said he has “no respect" for manager Erik ten Hag.

Reports emerged on Friday that Manchester United is now exploring legal avenues to end Ronaldo's £500,000-a-week contract, has over seven months remaining.