The six-year contract Tony Parker recently signed with the San Antonio Spurs has made him France's best-paid sportsman.

The point guard, who helped the Texas outfit win the 2003 NBA title, now eclipses even the country's World Cup winning football star Zinedine Zidane in the pay stakes.

The 22-year-old deal French national team star has penned a deal worth 66million US dollars over six years.

His annual salary is therefore almost twice that of Zidane at Real Madrid. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and star player Tim Duncan reportedly intervened with club president Peter Holt to ensure Parker's demands were met.

Parker told his own website: "It's like being in the film Jerry Maguire when he is told about his new contract. Like him I wanted to shout out. I could not believe it."

In the film, the sports star cries "show me the money" when his agent Maguire secures a lucrative deal.

"Now my family is secure and that is very important for me," said Parker.

"Now, it's settled and I am with the Spurs for the next six seasons and now I really want to end my career there."

Last year, Parker was named as France's Athlete of the Year by French sports daily L'Equipe, making him the first basketball player to win the award.