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

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This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program in which prominent figures from sports and show business join presenter Kelly Somers for frank and detailed dialogues about football.

The program examines mental approach and drive, discussing defining moments, career highlights and personal reflections. This series reveals the individual behind the player.

The Chelsea defender started practicing with Chelsea at the age of six and - having progressed through the youth system and into the senior squad - is now team leader.

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

Now 25, his professional achievements so far include making his England debut against Wales in the year 2020, winning the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being appointed club captain in 2023.

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

James sat down with the interviewer to discuss his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Kelly Somers: Initial inquiry: identity, your origins, and your preferred coffee?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I was raised in Mortlake, near Richmond - I expect more people will know that area. My beverage is a specific coffee type.

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

James: No, I began with, such as, vanilla lattes and stuff.

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

The defender: I mean, from a little kid, it was practically all I knew in school. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I simply adored the sport.

Kelly: Your first recollection of participating? Is this difficult to respond to because it was such a big part of your childhood and growing up?

Reece: No, simply due to my memory is quite poor. My first remembrance was likely, I don't know, attending matches of my sibling compete. He is my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

Kelly: It was big in your household, wasn't it, because your father was so heavily involved? He's a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Tell me a little about that.

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

Kelly: Do you remember many of those sessions? Since I read that as young as the age of four, you practiced outdoors and he was doing exercises with you in the back garden.

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

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

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. That was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I think I played for about a year. From that point that I was scouted for Chelsea.

The host: You didn't start as a backline player at initially, were you? Explain about your role evolution and its development...

Reece: I began as a striker, and then subsequently moved to wide positions, left wing, right side, and eventually to midfield, and then eventually at right-back, and I disliked it at that period.

The presenter: What caused your dislike for it?

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

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

James: My idol was [Didier] Drogba. I grew up as a Chelsea fan growing up and he represented the athlete I admired.

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

The defender: I'd likely identify the loan spell. Transitioning between youth and first-team football is most challenging and that is probably what many athletes transitioning upwards find challenging.

The presenter: You're referring to Wigan, of course. Why did Wigan become the ideal team for you at that period? It was miles away from all you were familiar with in the capital - what made it successful so effectively?

Reece: The primary factor is that I featured week in week out, which helps. I gained a lot of experiences - I moved away from my friends and family and was forced to mature fast. Playing on a regular schedule assisted significantly.

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

Reece: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's nearly old enough to be my father and has played at the highest level for many years. He always tried to help me from the minute he joined and still does, presently he is not here [having left Chelsea in that year].

The host: In what way would he assist you?

James: It was little messages away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I saw differently and try and paint a different picture.

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

The defender: It proved great to see him again. I'm pleased that his club performed admirably in the tournament [they were defeated in the penultimate round to eventual winners his team]. It's always good to see him.

The interviewer: If you could go back and replay a single game in your professional history, what would you choose?

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

The host: Besides winning, what made it exceptional about the occasion