In a candid revelation that has both amused and shocked football fans, legendary striker Ronaldo has shared a wild story from his time at Inter Milan involving his former teammate, Vampeta. Known for his party-loving lifestyle, Ronaldo admitted that even his own escapades paled in comparison to those of the Brazilian midfielder, who reportedly drank the entire contents of Ronaldo's wine cellar in just two weeks.
Ronaldo, who donned the Nerazzurri jersey from 1997 to 2002, recounted his experiences during an appearance on the Charla Podcast, where he reminisced about his illustrious career marred by injuries. "He stayed at my house, and I went to Brazil," Ronaldo said, recalling the time Vampeta was left to his own devices. "I had a wine cellar with 100 bottles, and he drank them all in two weeks." The former striker was astonished by Vampeta's antics, as he continued, "He finished all the bottles and opened more crates he had in the apartment until he found one that was special. It was a 1976 bottle that I bought at a restaurant in Paris for €10k. He and his friends opened this bottle and gave us each a plastic cup. He said it was hot and put ice in it!"
Vampeta's time at Inter was short-lived, spanning from 2000 to January 2001, before he moved on to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite his brief stint, he made a lasting impression on Ronaldo’s wine collection and perhaps on his waistline as well. Ronaldo, who became known for his exceptional talent, also struggled with fitness, often finding himself overweight during his career. "I didn’t know what you had to do to be a player, so I did what was shown to me. To rise to the top, you have to develop technically, tactically, and physically," he explained, reflecting on his journey to stardom. "People often tell me I was a beast physically, and what a gift it was. Damn, I trained a lot. Nobody gets there that fast without training."
Ronaldo's party lifestyle continued during his time at Real Madrid, where he frequently jetted off to Paris for nightlife adventures. He recalled, "I played on Saturday and then went to Paris. I spent Sunday in Paris and went to the party that night. At seven in the morning, I took the plane to Madrid and arrived at nine in the morning with training at 10. I did this many times." His dedication to partying raised eyebrows but also showcased the duality of his life as a professional athlete.
Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello acknowledged the challenges of coaching such a talented yet free-spirited player. "The greatest talent I ever coached was Ronaldo," Capello told Sky Sport Italia. "But at the same time, he was the player who created the most problems for me in the dressing room. He used to throw parties and do everything." Capello's sentiments were echoed by former teammate Ivan Helguera, who noted that while players like David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, and Luis Figo maintained a professional demeanor, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos enjoyed the nightlife a bit more.
Helguera reminisced about the Galacticos days, stating, "Beckham, Zidane, and Figo were great professionals. Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, on the other hand, liked to go out a little more. But they certainly didn’t do it every night. It happened if we played on a Saturday and, if we won, we all went out to celebrate. But it is absolutely not true that we went out on Friday or Saturday before important games." He also recalled a memorable birthday party at Ronaldo's house, where the festivities took a wild turn with buses full of girls arriving.
As Ronaldo's career progressed, he became a symbol of both exceptional talent and the struggles many athletes face balancing personal lives with professional responsibilities. His experiences with Vampeta and the subsequent partying lifestyle serve as a reminder of the highs and lows of life as a professional footballer.
Today, Ronaldo is celebrated not just for his on-field accomplishments but also for his candidness about the challenges he faced. His journey from a young Brazilian talent to a global football icon is filled with stories that continue to resonate with fans and aspiring athletes alike. As he reflects on his past, it’s clear that the lessons learned extend beyond the pitch and into the realm of personal discipline and the importance of making wise choices.
In a world where athletes are often scrutinized for their off-field antics, Ronaldo's candidness about his lifestyle choices, especially regarding Vampeta, adds a layer of humanity to the superstar image. It serves as a reminder that behind the glamour and fame, there are real-life experiences that shape the careers of even the most talented individuals.
