Fashion Passion, Looking Up To Didier Drogba & Bond with Hamilton

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The Football Interview represents an innovative program where prominent figures from sports and entertainment join presenter the interviewer for candid and comprehensive dialogues about football.

The program examines mental approach and drive, covering pivotal experiences, professional achievements and individual insights. This series uncovers the individual beyond the athlete.

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

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include making his England debut against the Welsh team in the year 2020, winning the Champions League with his club in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

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

The athlete spoke with the interviewer to talk about his professional peaks, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

Kelly Somers: First question: name, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?

The athlete: I am Reece James, I was raised in Mortlake, near Richmond - I'm sure many will recognize that location. My coffee is a flat white.

The host: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

Reece: Not exactly, it started with, like, flavored coffees and stuff.

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

Reece: Essentially, from a little kid, it was practically my entire focus in education. I wasn't the most academic student, and I simply adored the sport.

Kelly: Your first recollection of participating? Is this difficult to respond to because it was such a significant aspect of your childhood and development?

James: No, simply due to my recollection is so bad. My first remembrance was likely, unsure, going to watch my sibling compete. He is two years older than me, and he used to play as well.

The host: It was significant in your family, correct, because your dad was so heavily involved? He's a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a little about that.

Reece: Well there was three of us during childhood. We were all football mad, and he naturally was a coach as well, and we used to train a lot with him.

The presenter: Do you remember many of those sessions? Because I read that as young as the age of four, you practiced outdoors and he was doing drills with you in the yard.

James: Yeah, I remember - the training began early. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for me and my sibling [Chelsea and national team attacker Lauren James].

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

Reece: I don't remember much, to be honest. That was the local team in Kew. I believe I was there for about twelve months. It was from there that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

The host: You didn't start as a backline player at first, correct? Talk to me about your positional journey and its development...

Reece: I started off as a forward, and then subsequently moved to the wing, left side, right wing, and later to central positions, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at the time.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

Reece: Because I always wanted to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the ball as much but one day everything fell into place and I became a right-back since.

Kelly: You said you began as a forward - who served as your idol?

Reece: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a Chelsea fan growing up and he was the player I looked up to.

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

Reece: I'd likely identify the loan spell. Bridging the gap between youth and first-team football is the hardest and that is likely what many athletes transitioning upwards find challenging.

The presenter: You're referring to Wigan, naturally. What made was Wigan the right club for you at that period? The location was distant from all you knew in London - why did it work so effectively?

James: The first thing is that I featured consistently, which proves beneficial. I gained valuable exposure - I relocated from my companions and relatives and had to mature quickly. Playing on a regular schedule assisted significantly.

Kelly: Which individual exerted the biggest impact on your career?

The athlete: I'd identify [Brazil defender] the veteran. He's nearly old enough to be my dad and has played at elite standard for many years. He consistently attempted to help me from the minute he joined and continues to, presently he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].

Kelly: How specifically would he assist you?

Reece: These were little messages away from games. During matches, he would sometimes see things that I perceived differently and try and offer alternative perspectives.

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

The defender: It proved wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm happy that his team did well in the competition [they were defeated in the semi-finals to the champions his team]. It is always good to see him.

The interviewer: If you could return and experience again a single game in your career, what would you choose?

Reece: If the outcome is going to be the identical - it would be the Champions League [final].

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