Style Obsession, Looking Up To Didier Drogba & Bond with Hamilton

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The Football Interview represents an innovative program where leading personalities from athletics and entertainment participate with presenter the interviewer for candid and comprehensive dialogues about the beautiful game.

We'll explore mental approach and drive, discussing pivotal experiences, career highlights and individual insights. This series uncovers the person beyond the player.

Reece James started training with Chelsea at the age of six and - after developing through the youth system and into the first team - is now team leader.

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, scoring on his debut in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Now 25, James' career highlights so far include making his international bow against the Welsh team in the year 2020, claiming the European Cup with Chelsea in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

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

James sat down with Kelly Somers to discuss his professional peaks, Thiago Silva's influence, and his friendship with multiple Formula One title winner the racing driver.

The interviewer: First question: name, where you're from, and your preferred coffee?

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

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

James: Not exactly, it started with, such as, flavored coffees and stuff.

Kelly: We'll begin by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?

Reece: Essentially, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in education. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I just loved the sport.

The interviewer: Your first recollection of participating? Is this tough to answer because it was such a big part of your early years and development?

Reece: No, just because my memory is quite poor. My earliest memory was probably, I don't know, attending matches of my brother play. He's two years older than me, and he used to play as well.

The host: It was significant in your household, correct, because your father was so heavily involved? He is a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a bit about that.

Reece: Well there was three children growing up. It was all football mad, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

Kelly: Do you remember many of those sessions? Since I learned that as young as the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he conducted drills with you in the yard.

Reece: Yeah, I remember - the drills started young. Fortunately, they paid off for myself and my sister [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 your memories?

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

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

Reece: I started off as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to the wing, left wing, right wing, and eventually to central positions, and then eventually at defensive role, and I hated it at that period.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

Reece: Since I consistently desired to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the ball as frequently but one day it just clicked and I became a defender since.

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

Reece: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I was a supporter during youth and he represented the player I admired.

The host: Identify a turning point in your professional life - an experience that has influenced your development and the player you have evolved into?

The defender: I'd likely identify going on loan. Bridging the gap between academy and senior level is most challenging and this represents probably what many athletes transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're referring to Wigan, naturally. What made was Wigan the right club for you at the time? The location was distant from everything you were familiar with in London - why did it work so effectively?

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

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

Reece: I'd identify [Brazil defender] the veteran. He is nearly old enough to be my dad and has competed at the highest level for many years. He always tried to help me from the minute he arrived and still does, presently he is not here [having left Chelsea in that year].

The host: In what way would he assist you?

James: These were little messages off the pitch. During matches, he occasionally observe situations that I saw alternatively and attempt and paint a different picture.

The presenter: It must have been nice to see him recently [during the tournament]?

The defender: It was great to reconnect with him. I'm happy that his club did well in the tournament [they were defeated in the penultimate round to the champions Chelsea]. It is consistently positive to encounter him.

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

Reece: Assuming the result is remains the identical - I'd select the European Cup decider.

The host: Besides winning, what made it exceptional about that night