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

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The Football Interview represents a new series where prominent figures from sports and show business join presenter the interviewer for frank and detailed discussions about the beautiful game.

The program examines mental approach and drive, covering defining moments, career highlights and personal reflections. This series uncovers the individual behind the player.

Reece James began practicing with the London club at the age of six and - having progressed through the youth system and into the first team - is now team leader.

James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in September 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights to date include making his international bow against the Welsh team in the year 2020, claiming the European Cup with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed club captain in 2023.

Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with multiple fitness issues affecting him over recent years.

The athlete spoke with the interviewer to talk about his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his friendship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: Initial inquiry: name, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

Reece James: I am Reece James, I was raised in Mortlake, near Richmond - I expect many will recognize that location. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

The host: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

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

Kelly: We'll begin by talking football. What does football mean to you?

Reece: I mean, from a little kid, it was practically my entire focus in education. I wasn't exactly the most academic student, and I just loved the sport.

Kelly: What's your earliest memory of participating? Is this tough to answer because it represented a significant aspect of your childhood and development?

James: No, simply due to my recollection is quite poor. My first remembrance was probably, unsure, attending matches of my brother compete. He is my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

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

The athlete: Well there was three children growing up. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

The presenter: Do you remember many of those sessions? Because I learned that starting from the four years old, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.

James: Yeah, I recall - the training started young. Fortunately, they paid off for myself and my sibling [the club and national team attacker Lauren James].

Kelly: Talk to me about your initial club that you played for as a child, what was it called, and what can you remember?

The defender: My recollection is limited, to be honest. That was the local team in the area. I think I played for about twelve months. It was from there that I was scouted for the professional club.

The host: And you weren't a backline player at first, were you? Explain about your role evolution and how that changed...

James: I started off as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to wide positions, left side, right side, and later to central positions, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

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

The interviewer: You said you started as a forward - who served as your role model?

Reece: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a supporter during youth and he represented the player I looked up to.

Kelly: Can you think of a turning point in your professional life - an experience that has influenced your development and the professional you have evolved into?

The defender: I would probably say going on loan. Bridging the gap between youth and senior level is the hardest and that is likely what many athletes transitioning upwards find difficult.

The presenter: You're talking about the club, of course. Why was Wigan the right club for you at the time? It was miles away from all you were familiar with in the capital - what made it successful so effectively?

Reece: The primary factor is that I featured consistently, which helps. I gained a lot of experiences - I moved away from my friends and family and had to mature quickly. Participating on a consistent basis assisted a lot.

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

The athlete: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's almost 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 joined and continues to, presently he is not here [after leaving the club in that year].

The host: In what way would he help you?

Reece: It was small pieces of advice off the pitch. During matches, he occasionally see things that I saw differently and try and paint a different picture.

Kelly: It was undoubtedly pleasant to meet him this summer [during the tournament]?

The defender: It proved wonderful to see him again. I'm pleased that his club did well in the competition [they were defeated in the semi-finals to eventual winners Chelsea]. It is always good to encounter him.

The interviewer: If you could return and experience again one match in your career, what would you choose?

Reece: Assuming the result is remains the same - it would be the Champions League [final].

Kelly: Other than victory, what was so special about that night