Frank Lampard recently shared an amusing anecdote about why he kept his distance from Cristiano Ronaldo during a holiday, even though they stayed at the same hotel. This revelation came as Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Group F, thanks to Francisco Conceicao’s last-minute goal. The match saw Portugal struggle to find the net, with Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, missing several key chances. Despite not having a stellar performance in the opening game of Euro 2024, Ronaldo marked a historic milestone by becoming the first player to participate in six European Championships, with his debut dating back to 2004.
Lampard, speaking to the BBC, humorously explained his reason for avoiding Ronaldo during their vacation, hinting at a sense of embarrassment. A few months prior, the former England and Chelsea star joked about his reluctance to spend much time with the Al Nassr forward, citing Ronaldo’s “amazing” physique as a factor. Lampard recounted their encounter, noting how he was relieved that Ronaldo’s preferred spot on the beach was a bit further away from his own.
“I encountered him on holiday a few months back. We were staying at the same hotel on the beach, and fortunately, his sunspot was a little down from mine every day,” Lampard said. He admitted to deliberately keeping his distance, acknowledging Ronaldo’s incredible shape. “I made sure to stay away from him because he was in amazing form,” Lampard added, referring to the Portuguese star who, despite his missed opportunities against the Czech Republic, still commands immense respect for his dedication and athleticism.
The former Chelsea midfielder also shared a memorable moment when he asked Ronaldo for a photo with his son. Lampard humorously described how he quickly put on a t-shirt before the picture was taken, aware of the stark contrast between his own physique and Ronaldo’s. “Due to what an incredible player he has been, I pulled him over for a photo with my kid. I immediately put on my t-shirt and we got a great picture,” he recalled.
Lampard observed Ronaldo’s relentless commitment to his fitness regime during the holiday, noting that the football star was accompanied by his personal trainer and hit the gym twice a day. This dedication, according to Lampard, is a testament to Ronaldo’s work ethic and unwavering focus on maintaining peak physical condition. “I noticed he was going to the gym with his personal trainer twice a day. It just shows his dedication to his work,” Lampard commented.
In a light-hearted conclusion, Lampard described how he applauded Ronaldo as he walked by, while Lampard himself enjoyed a beer. “As he walked back, I gave him a ripple of applause while I was drinking a beer,” he said, highlighting the stark contrast between their holiday routines and underscoring his admiration for Ronaldo’s remarkable discipline and commitment to excellence, even while on vacation.
