There is no doubting that Christiano Ronaldo is a genius with a football.  He has a raw and natural talent that is astounding to watch and when he plays on top form demonstrates football at its most beautiful.

Today we learn that Ronaldo is to be sold to Real Madrid for £80 million by Manchester United.  That breaks all transfer records.  An astounding amount of money.  Real Madrid are recreating their Galactico days again with Ronaldo, following hot on the heels of Kaka for £59 million.

What is interesting is a moral question.  Is one footballer worth that amount of money in this recessionary period?  Quite bluntly we talked earlier in the week of salaries for each role.  Now put this into perspective:

£80,000,000 would buy :

A paramedic earns £21,720.  So 3,683 paramedics could be hired for a year for the equivalent money.

A nurse earns £20,044.  Hence, 3,471 nurses could be hired for a year.

A Secondary School Teacher earns £23,044.  3,471 teachers could be hired for a year.

And Tube drivers earn £37,231.  2,148 tube drivers could be employed for a year.  Well employed for most of the year as they will be striking for at least 15 days.

That’s an interesting comparison.  And yes, Real Madrid is a business and should spend it’s money as it sees fit in a free market economy.  But that does not stop the question of morals and conscience being raised.

Real Madrid will easily recoup their money back through increased gate revenue, higher tv deals and of course player merchandising and shirt deals.  But in an age where many are losing their jobs and having their houses repossessed, does this send out the best message?  And that is a moral question.

Ronaldo or 3,471 nurses?