‘Best boss I ever had’ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s former bodyguard reveals risks of protecting star and how much he was paid
CRISTIANO RONALDO’S former bodyguard has revealed the eye-watering sum he was paid to protect the footie icon.
Hichman Bukhari was part of CR7’s security detail for four years when the Portugal star plied his trade with Real Madrid.
The private military contractor (PMC) and close protection operative (CPO) was by Ronaldo’s side every time he stepped out in the Spanish capital or jetted to a luxurious location.
Bukhari attended some high-profile events during his watch of Ronaldo, which earned him a whopping £850 a day.
That equated to a £4,250 for a five-day week and £21,250 per month.
His annual salary worked out to be a cool £255,000.
Despite having to fend off scores of adoring footie fans, paparazzi galore and the occasional thief, Bukhari insists working with Ronaldo was a breeze.
During an appearance on Telecinco, he said: “Our work depends on the client’s profile.
“In the case of Cristiano, with whom I worked for four years, his profile wasn’t high-risk because people didn’t want to kill him, and he didn’t receive death threats.
“He was threatened by fans or people who wanted to rob him.
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“We always have to know where we’re going, who will be there, and have clear entry and exit points, as well as contact points.
“We must always be aware that our lives could be at risk.
“We have to be willing to protect a person, and sometimes we have to give our lives to protect them.
“If I have to use weapons, I will use them.
“The most important thing is having the ability to think quickly, solve problems, and remain calm in difficult situations.”
Bukhari has fond memories of his time protecting Ronaldo, who was his “best” employer to date.
He said of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner: “He is the best boss I’ve ever had.
He was threatened by fans or people who wanted to rob him.”
Cristiano Ronaldo's former bodyguard, Hicham Bukhari
“We have a good relationship.
‘Working with him wasn’t like working with someone threatened with death or kidnap.
“We had some silly incidents with paparazzi or crazy fans, but nothing major.”
Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates booked their place in the Nations League final on Wednesday night with a 2-1 win over Germany.
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