Fashion Passion, Idolizing Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton

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The Football Interview constitutes an innovative program where prominent figures from athletics and entertainment participate with presenter Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive dialogues about football.

The program examines mindset and drive, covering pivotal experiences, career highlights and individual insights. This series uncovers the individual 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 Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, netting on his first appearance in a 7-1 victory over the opposition in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights to date include earning his England debut against Wales in the year 2020, claiming the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with multiple fitness issues impacting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with the interviewer to talk about his professional peaks, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

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

Reece James: The name is Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure many will know that area. My beverage is a flat white.

Kelly: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

Reece: Not exactly, I began with, like, flavored coffees and similar drinks.

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

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

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

James: No, just because my recollection is quite poor. My earliest memory was probably, unsure, going to watch 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 deeply engaged? He is a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a bit about that.

Reece: So we were three of us during childhood. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a coach as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

The presenter: Can you recall many of those sessions? Because I read that starting from the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he conducted drills with you in the yard.

Reece: Yes, I recall - the training started young. Thankfully, they paid off for me and my sibling [Chelsea and national team attacker his sister].

The interviewer: Talk to me about your initial club that you played for as a youngster, its name, and your memories?

Reece: I don't remember much, frankly. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I think I played for about a year. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for the professional club.

Kelly: You didn't start as a defender at initially, correct? Talk to me about your role evolution and how that changed...

James: I began as a striker, and then eventually transitioned to wide positions, left side, right side, and eventually to midfield, and then eventually at right-back, and I disliked it at the time.

The presenter: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Since I always wanted to occupy central positions. You didn't touch the football as much but eventually everything fell into place and I've been a right-back since.

The interviewer: You said you started as an attacker - who served as your idol?

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

The host: Identify a turning point in your career - a moment that has influenced your development and the professional you have evolved into?

Reece: I would probably say going on loan. Bridging the gap between academy and first-team football is the hardest and this represents likely what many athletes making the jump find challenging.

The presenter: You're referring to the club, naturally. Why did Wigan become the right club for you at that period? It was distant from everything you were familiar with in the capital - what made it successful so well?

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

Kelly: Who has had the greatest influence on your career?

The athlete: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He's nearly sufficiently experienced to be my father and has competed at elite standard for many years. He consistently attempted to assist me from the moment he arrived and still does, even now he is departed [after leaving the club in 2024].

The host: In what way would he assist you?

James: These were little messages away from games. On the pitch, he would sometimes observe situations that I saw differently and try and offer alternative perspectives.

Kelly: It must have been pleasant to meet him recently [during the tournament]?

The defender: It was wonderful to see him again. I'm happy that his team did well in the competition [they lost in the semi-finals to the champions his team]. It's always good to encounter him.

Kelly: Were you able to go back and experience again one match in your professional history, which would you pick?

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

Kelly: Other than victory, what was so special about the occasion