Style Obsession, Looking Up To Drogba & Bond with Lewis Hamilton
- Released
This Sports Conversation constitutes a new series in which prominent figures from athletics and entertainment join host the interviewer for candid and comprehensive discussions about the beautiful game.
We'll explore mindset and drive, covering defining moments, professional achievements and individual insights. The Football Interview uncovers the person behind the athlete.
Reece James began practicing with the London club at the age of six and - after developing through the academy and into the first team - is now team leader.
The defender introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, scoring on his debut in a comprehensive win over the opposition in 2019.
Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include earning 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 the past four seasons.
The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to talk about his professional peaks, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with multiple Formula One title winner the racing driver.
The defender discusses the veteran's influence on his career
The interviewer: Initial inquiry: name, 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 more people will know that location. My beverage is a flat white.
Kelly: Has it always been a that particular coffee?
Reece: No, I began with, such as, flavored coffees and stuff.
The presenter: We'll begin by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?
Reece: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically my entire focus in school. I wasn't exactly the most academic student, and I simply adored playing football.
Kelly: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this difficult to answer because it was such a significant aspect of your early years and growing up?
James: No, simply due to my recollection is quite poor. My first remembrance was likely, unsure, going to watch my brother play. He is my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.
Kelly: It was big in your family, wasn't it, because your dad was deeply engaged? He is a soccer trainer too, right? Share with me a little about that.
The athlete: Well there was three of us during childhood. We were all football mad, and he obviously was a trainer as well, and we frequently practiced a lot with him.
The presenter: Can you recall a lot of those sessions? Since I read that as young as the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he was doing exercises with you in the back garden.
Reece: Yes, I recall - the training began early. Fortunately, they paid off for myself and my sibling [Chelsea and England attacker Lauren James].
Kelly: Tell me about your first ever team that you represented as a child, its name, and your memories?
The defender: I don't remember much, to be honest. It was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. 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 first, were you? Talk to me about your role evolution and its development...
Reece: I started off as a forward, and then eventually moved to the wing, left side, right wing, and eventually to midfield, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.
Kelly: Why did you hate it?
The athlete: Because I consistently desired to play midfield. There was less involvement with the ball as much but eventually it just clicked and I became a right-back since.
Reece James won the Champions League in that year when Chelsea defeated Manchester City by one goal in the final in Porto
The interviewer: You mentioned you began as an attacker - who served as your role model?
Reece: My idol was [Didier] Drogba. I was a supporter growing up and he represented the player I admired.
Kelly: Identify a turning point in your career - a moment that has shaped you and the professional you have evolved into?
The defender: I would probably say going on loan. Transitioning between youth and senior level is the hardest and this represents probably what most players making the jump find challenging.
Kelly: You're referring to the club, of course. What made was Wigan the ideal team for you at the time? The location was miles away from everything you were familiar with in the capital - what made it successful so effectively?
James: The first thing is that I featured week in week out, which helps. I acquired a lot of experiences - I moved away from my friends and relatives and was forced to grow up quickly. Playing on a regular schedule helped significantly.
The interviewer: Which individual exerted the biggest impact on your professional journey?
The athlete: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's nearly old enough to be my father and has competed at the highest level for many years. He consistently attempted to help me from the minute he arrived and still does, presently he is departed [after leaving the club in 2024].
The host: In what way would he assist you?
James: These were small pieces of advice off the pitch. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I saw differently and try and paint a different picture.
The presenter: It was undoubtedly nice to meet him recently [during the tournament]?
Reece: It was great to see him again. I'm happy that his team performed admirably in the tournament [they lost in the semi-finals to the champions Chelsea]. It's always good to encounter him.
Kelly: Were you able to return and experience again one match in your career, what would you choose?
James: If the outcome is remains the same - it would be the Champions League [final].
Kelly: Besides winning, what was so special about the occasion