The Chelsea and England star guest-edited this week’s issue, on sale Tuesday 8th April, taking charge of editorial decisions, answering readers’ questions and selecting a range of content.
Lampard worked on the issue with the Match of the Day team, chairing an editorial meeting, selecting his Champions League dream team and choosing his preferred designs and images, says the publisher. It is Lampard’s second move into publishing following the publication of his Frankie’s Magic Football children’s books.
Speaking about his experience, Lampard said: “It was a real pleasure to work with MOTD on this issue and to see all of the different elements involved in putting the mag together. It’s clearly hard work, but a lot of fun, too – especially with such a great team. I’d be glad to help out again if the editor wants another week off.”
According to BBC Match of the Day Magazine editor Ian Foster: “Frank was a great sport and it was a pleasure to have him in the office as guest editor. We'd welcome him back if he can improve his tea-making.”
Frank also answered a series of reader questions:
Would you rather be normal than famous?
“Yeah, lots of times! I do live a very normal life outside of football. I’m quite shy away from the pitch, I hate having my picture taken and when I’m with my family and kids I don’t like the attention but I live near Stamford Bridge and the people are lovely and very nice to me – so I can’t complain too much.”
How do you feel about being an inspiration to the children of today?
“I think every footballer has a responsibility to try to be an inspiration and to be a role model, whether it’s how you play or how you act on and off the pitch. I think I do conduct myself as well as I can. If young football fans look up to us and see we’re doing the right job, then that’s great.”
Who was your role model when you were younger?
“My idol was Paul Gascoigne, I loved him as a player. I remember watching him play at West Ham for Newcastle and he was joking one minute and then playing brilliantly the next. My dad was also a footballer and I really looked up to him and he taught me loads of stuff – I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Who’s your best mate at Chelsea?
“My best mate is actually Billy McCulloch, the club masseur. He’s a real joker! We’re really close – we joined the club at the same time. He actually gave the team talk against Man. City in our 1-0 win there. Alongside Billy, I’d say John Terry and Ashley Cole.”
On Ronaldo: “I’ve always been a huge Messi fan but I think this season it’s Ronaldo who’s the best in the world!”
