I am allowed 5 posts per day and I am gonna waste it here. It has a lot to do with it, that's why players like Ronaldo cost a lot of money, because when they move to a new club its not only about what they contribute for the team on the field its also about what they contribute to the clubs commercial side. When Ronaldo left it was reported that a million shirts with his name on were sold within the city of Madrid alone in a year. It is true that they are bought with the aim of improving the team first and fore most (unless you are Real Madrid) but club execs look at such things. Its like how people think Rooney is paid 300k a week for his on field contributions only, but the truth is he is Manchester United's most marketable player and that's why he is in most Man United related commercials.