Published 01/24/2023, 3:15 PM EST
Wayne Gretzky has set some unreal standards for the upcoming stars of ice hockey. The 61-year-old dominated the sports for more than two decades and played for different teams. However, the most talked about the team was the Los Angeles Kings. The venture of L.A king that started with a controversial trade later made him the richest NHL player in the history of the sport. In 1990, Gretzky signed a nine-year extension contract with the Los Angeles Kings. He was offered a whopping amount of $30 Million.
Just a few days after the historic contract signing, the legend gave an interview with CBC Sports. It was obvious that the questions regarding the price will be coming for the chosen one. The champion player said that he would give credit to his hard work. And also revealed that he has no problem if the market rate of players’ salaries is similar to his.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 14: Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers skates on the ice during an NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 14, 1982 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)
When the reporter asked about his plans for spending money, he said that he wanted to do something good for his family. “Whatever I can do to help with my parents and my family, I try to do.” The 99 jersey holder also said that he has started to save money for his children and family as well.
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According to the report by RMNB, the biggest superstar of that time also revealed that he won’t spend all his investment on others and will have some of that for himself as well. “Hey I’m 29 years old now and I like to have a little bit of fun myself also.”, he clarified.
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The contract gave Wayne Gretzky more than just financial support
While the LA contract landed him in the category of richest sports players all around the globe, his days weren’t limited to just financial benefits. Gretzky had a massive fan following, even among the greatest superstars in the USA. His old teammates once revealed the stardom of Gretzky when he was staying in America.
The crowd of spectators, players and team mates applaud as Wayne Gretzky of the New York Rangers waves in salute on his retirement after the National Hockey League (NHL) game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on 18 April 1999 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Not just common people, but big stars from the acting industry used to wait to meet the chosen one after the matches. While nowadays, earning $30 million in a single season isn’t a big challenge for many NHL players, earning a reputation as a number 99 would indeed be a big challenge.
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