Style Obsession, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Friendship with Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation constitutes a new series where prominent figures from athletics and show business join host Kelly Somers for candid and comprehensive discussions about football.

The program examines mental approach and motivation, discussing pivotal experiences, professional achievements and individual insights. The Football Interview uncovers the person behind the player.

Reece James began training with Chelsea at six years old and - after developing through the academy and into the first team - is now team leader.

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

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include making his international bow against Wales in 2020, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

However, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries impacting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with Kelly Somers to discuss his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

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

Reece James: The name is Reece James, I was raised in Mortlake, near Richmond - I expect many will recognize that area. My coffee is a flat white.

Kelly: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

James: No, I began with, such as, 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 all I knew in education. I wasn't exactly the most academic student, and I simply adored playing football.

The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this difficult to respond to because it was such a significant aspect of your early years and growing up?

James: No, just because my recollection is so bad. My earliest memory was probably, I don't know, attending matches of my sibling play. He's my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

Kelly: It was significant in your household, correct, because your dad was so heavily involved? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Share with me a bit about that.

Reece: So there was three children during childhood. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a trainer as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

The presenter: Do you remember a lot of those sessions? Since I read that as young as the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he conducted drills with you in the yard.

James: Yes, I recall - the drills started young. Fortunately, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [Chelsea and national team forward Lauren James].

Kelly: Talk to me about your first ever team that you represented as a youngster, its name, and your memories?

The defender: I don't remember much, frankly. It was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I believe I was there for about twelve months. It was from there that I was scouted for the professional club.

Kelly: And you weren't a backline player at initially, correct? Talk to me about your role evolution and its development...

James: I began as a striker, and then eventually moved to wide positions, left side, right side, and eventually to midfield, and then eventually at right-back, and I hated it at that period.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

Reece: Since I always wanted to play midfield. You didn't touch the ball as much but one day it just clicked and I became a defender since.

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

Reece: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a Chelsea fan growing up and he was the athlete I looked up to.

The host: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your professional life - an experience that has shaped you and the player you have become?

The defender: I would probably say going on loan. Transitioning between academy and first-team football is the hardest and this represents probably what many athletes transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're talking about Wigan, naturally. What made did Wigan become the right club for you at the time? The location was miles away from everything you knew in the capital - what made it successful so effectively?

Reece: The first thing is that I played week in week out, which helps. I acquired valuable exposure - I moved away from my companions and relatives and was forced to grow up quickly. Participating on a regular schedule assisted significantly.

The interviewer: Who has had the greatest influence on your professional journey?

Reece: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He is almost old enough to be my dad and has played at the highest level for many years. He consistently attempted to assist me from the minute he joined and continues to, even now he is not here [having left Chelsea in that year].

The host: How specifically would he help you?

James: These were little messages off the pitch. On the pitch, he would sometimes see things that I saw alternatively and attempt and paint a different picture.

Kelly: It was undoubtedly nice to see him this summer [during the tournament]?

Reece: It proved wonderful to see him again. I'm happy that his club did well in the competition [they lost in the semi-finals to eventual winners Chelsea]. It's consistently positive to see him.

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

James: Assuming the result is going to be the same - I'd select the Champions League [final].

The host: Besides winning, what was so special about the occasion