Fashion Passion, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Friendship with Hamilton

• Released
  Less than an hour ago

This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program in which leading personalities from athletics and entertainment join presenter the interviewer for candid and comprehensive discussions about football.

The program examines mindset and drive, discussing defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. The Football Interview reveals the person behind the athlete.

The Chelsea defender began practicing with Chelsea at the age of six and - having progressed through the youth system and into the first team - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, netting on his debut in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in September 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include making his international bow against the Welsh team in 2020, claiming the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

Nevertheless, things have not always gone smoothly, with multiple fitness issues affecting him over the past four seasons.

The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to discuss his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his friendship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: First question: name, your origins, and your preferred coffee?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I was raised in Mortlake, near Richmond - I'm sure more people will recognize that area. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

Kelly: Has it always been a flat white?

Reece: No, I began with, like, vanilla lattes and stuff.

The presenter: We'll begin by discussing soccer. What does football mean to you?

Reece: Essentially, from childhood, it's kind of my entire focus in school. I wasn't the most academic student, and I just loved the sport.

Kelly: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this tough to respond to because it represented a big part of your childhood and development?

James: No, simply due to my recollection is so bad. My earliest memory was likely, I don't know, going to watch my sibling compete. He's my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

Kelly: It was big in your household, wasn't it, because your dad was deeply engaged? He is a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Tell me a little about that.

The athlete: Well there was three children during childhood. We were all football mad, and he obviously was a trainer as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

The presenter: Do you remember a lot of those training periods? Because I learned that starting from the age of four, you were outside and he conducted drills with you in the back garden.

Reece: Yes, I recall - the training began early. Fortunately, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [Chelsea and national team attacker Lauren James].

Kelly: Tell me about your initial club that you played for as a youngster, its name, and what can you remember?

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. It was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I believe I was there for about twelve months. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for the professional club.

Kelly: And you weren't a defender at initially, were you? Explain about your role evolution and how that changed...

James: I began as a forward, and then subsequently moved to the wing, left wing, right side, and eventually to central positions, and then eventually at defensive role, and I hated it at the time.

The presenter: Why did you hate it?

Reece: Since I always wanted to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the football as much but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

Kelly: You said you started as a forward - who was your idol?

Reece: The player I admired was [Didier] Drogba. I was a Chelsea fan during youth and he was the athlete I looked up to.

The host: Can you think of a turning point in your career - an experience that has shaped you and the professional you have evolved into?

The defender: I'd likely identify going on loan. Transitioning between youth and first-team football is most challenging and that is probably what many athletes transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're talking about Wigan, of course. Why did Wigan become the ideal team for you at that period? It was miles away from everything you knew in London - what made it successful so well?

James: The primary factor is that I played consistently, which helps. I gained valuable exposure - I relocated from my companions and family and had to grow up fast. Playing on a regular schedule helped a lot.

Kelly: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

The athlete: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's nearly old enough to be my father and has played at elite standard for many years. He consistently attempted to assist me from the moment he arrived and still does, presently he is not here [after leaving the club in that year].

Kelly: How specifically would he assist you?

James: These were small pieces of advice off the pitch. During matches, he would sometimes observe situations that I saw differently and attempt and paint a different picture.

Kelly: It must have been pleasant to see him recently [at the Club World Cup]?

The defender: It proved great to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his club did well in the tournament [they lost in the penultimate round to the champions his team]. It is always good to encounter him.

The interviewer: If you could return and replay a single game in your career, which would you pick?

James: If the outcome is remains the identical - I'd select the European Cup decider.

The host: Other than victory, what made it exceptional about that night