Style Obsession, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Bond with Hamilton

• Published
  47 minutes ago

The Football Interview constitutes a new series where prominent figures from sports and show business participate with presenter Kelly Somers for candid and comprehensive dialogues about football.

The program examines mental approach and drive, covering defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. This series reveals the individual beyond the athlete.

Reece James began practicing with Chelsea at six years old and - after developing through the youth system and into the senior squad - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a comprehensive win over the opposition in September 2019.

Now 25, his professional achievements to date include making his England debut against Wales in the year 2020, winning the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries impacting him over recent years.

The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to discuss his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his friendship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: Initial inquiry: name, your origins, and your preferred coffee?

Reece James: I am Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure many will know that location. My beverage is a specific coffee type.

Kelly: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

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

The presenter: Let's start by talking football. What significance does soccer hold to you?

The defender: Essentially, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in education. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I simply adored the sport.

The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of participating? Is this difficult to respond to because it represented a significant aspect of your early years and development?

James: Not particularly, simply due to my memory is quite poor. My earliest memory was probably, unsure, going to watch my brother play. He's two years older than me, and he used to play as well.

The host: It was significant in your family, correct, because your father was so heavily involved? He's a football coach too, isn't he? Tell me a bit about that.

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

The presenter: Do you remember a lot of those training periods? Because I read that starting from the age of four, you practiced outdoors and he was doing exercises with you in the back garden.

James: Yeah, I recall - the drills began early. Thankfully, they paid off for me and my sibling [the club and national team attacker his sister].

The interviewer: Tell me about your first ever team that you represented as a child, its name, and your memories?

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. That was the local team in Kew. I believe I played for about twelve months. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for the professional club.

Kelly: And you weren't a defender at initially, correct? Explain about your role evolution and how that changed...

James: I started off as a striker, and then subsequently moved to the wing, left wing, 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?

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

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

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

Kelly: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your career - a moment that has influenced your development and the player you have evolved into?

Reece: I would probably say the loan spell. Transitioning between academy and senior level is the hardest and this represents probably what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're talking about the club, naturally. What made was Wigan the right club for you at that period? The location was miles away from all you were familiar with in London - why did it work so well?

James: The first thing is that I featured consistently, which helps. I gained valuable exposure - I moved away from my companions and family and was forced to grow up fast. Playing on a regular schedule helped a lot.

The interviewer: Who has had the biggest impact on your professional journey?

The athlete: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He is nearly old enough to be my dad and has competed at elite standard for so long. He consistently attempted to assist me from the moment he joined and still does, presently he is departed [after leaving the club in that year].

The host: In what way would he help you?

James: These were small pieces of advice away from games. During matches, he would sometimes see things that I saw alternatively and attempt and paint a different picture.

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

Reece: 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 Chelsea]. It's always good to see him.

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

Reece: If the outcome is going to be the same - I'd select the Champions League [final].

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