Fashion Passion, Idolizing Drogba & Bond with Lewis Hamilton

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The Football Interview constitutes an innovative program in which prominent figures from athletics and show business participate with host Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive dialogues about football.

We'll explore mental approach and motivation, covering defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. This series reveals the individual behind the athlete.

The Chelsea defender started training with the London club at six years old and - after developing through the academy and into the first team - is now club captain.

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

Now 25, James' career highlights to date include earning his international bow against the Welsh team in 2020, winning the European Cup with Chelsea in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries impacting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with Kelly Somers to talk about his professional peaks, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: First question: identity, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

Reece James: The name is Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will know that area. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

Kelly: Was it consistently a flat white?

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

Kelly: Let's start by discussing soccer. What does football mean to you?

Reece: I mean, from a little kid, it's kind of all I knew in education. I wasn't the most academic student, and I simply adored the sport.

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

James: Not particularly, simply due to my recollection is quite poor. My earliest memory was likely, unsure, attending matches of my sibling play. He's my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

The host: It was significant in your family, wasn't it, because your dad was so heavily involved? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Tell me a little about that.

The athlete: Well there was three of us growing up. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a coach as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

The presenter: Can you recall a lot of those sessions? Because I read that starting from the four years old, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.

Reece: Yeah, I remember - the training began early. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [the club and national team attacker his sister].

The interviewer: Talk to me about your initial club that you represented as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?

Reece: My recollection is limited, frankly. That was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I think I was there for about twelve months. It was from there that I was scouted for Chelsea.

The host: You didn't start as a backline player at first, correct? Explain about your positional journey and its development...

Reece: I started off as a forward, and then subsequently transitioned to the wing, left side, right side, and eventually to central positions, and then finally at defensive role, and I hated it at the time.

The presenter: Why did you hate it?

Reece: Because I consistently desired to play midfield. You didn't touch the ball as frequently but eventually everything fell into place and I became a right-back since.

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

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

Kelly: Can you think of a turning point in your career - an experience that has shaped you and the professional you have become?

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

Kelly: You're referring to Wigan, 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 well?

James: 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 was forced to mature quickly. Playing on a consistent basis assisted significantly.

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

The athlete: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He is almost old enough to be my dad and has competed at the highest level for so long. He consistently attempted to help me from the moment he arrived and continues to, presently he is departed [having left Chelsea in 2024].

Kelly: How specifically would he help you?

James: These were little messages off the pitch. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I perceived alternatively and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

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

The defender: It was great to see him again. I'm happy that his team did well in the tournament [they were defeated in the semi-finals to eventual winners his team]. It's always good to encounter him.

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

James: Assuming the result is going to be the same - it would be the European Cup decider.

Kelly: Besides winning, what made it exceptional about the occasion