Style Obsession, Looking Up To Drogba & Friendship with Hamilton

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The Football Interview represents an innovative program where prominent figures from athletics and show business join host the interviewer for frank and detailed dialogues about football.

The program examines mental approach and drive, covering defining moments, professional achievements and individual insights. The Football Interview reveals the individual behind the player.

Reece James began practicing with the London club at six years old and - having progressed through the academy and into the senior squad - is now team leader.

James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in style, scoring on his first appearance in a comprehensive win over the opposition in 2019.

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

However, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with multiple fitness issues impacting him over recent years.

James sat down with the interviewer to talk about his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his friendship with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: Initial inquiry: identity, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

Reece James: The name is Reece James, I grew up in Mortlake, near Richmond - I expect many will recognize that area. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

The host: Was it consistently a flat white?

James: Not exactly, I began with, such as, flavored coffees and stuff.

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

The defender: I mean, from childhood, it was practically all I knew in education. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I simply adored playing football.

Kelly: Your first recollection of playing? Is this difficult to answer because it was such a significant aspect of your early years and growing up?

James: Not particularly, simply due to my recollection is so bad. My earliest memory was likely, unsure, attending matches of my sibling play. He is two years older than me, and he used to play as well.

The host: It was significant in your household, correct, because your father was deeply engaged? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Share with me a bit about that.

Reece: Well there was three children during childhood. It was all football mad, and he naturally was a trainer as well, and we used to train a lot with him.

Kelly: Can you recall many of those training periods? Because I read that starting from the age of four, you practiced outdoors and he was doing drills with you in the back garden.

Reece: Yes, I remember - the drills started young. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [Chelsea and national team forward his sister].

The interviewer: Tell me about your first ever team that you played for as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?

Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I think I played for about twelve months. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

Kelly: And you weren't a backline player at first, correct? Talk to me about your role evolution and how that changed...

Reece: I began as a forward, and then eventually transitioned to wide positions, left wing, right wing, and later to central positions, and then eventually at right-back, and I disliked it at the time.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

The athlete: Since I always wanted to play midfield. There was less involvement with the ball as frequently but one day everything fell into place and I became a defender since.

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

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

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

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

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

Reece: The primary factor is that I played consistently, which proves beneficial. I gained a lot of experiences - I relocated from my friends and family and was forced to grow up quickly. Playing on a regular schedule helped a lot.

Kelly: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your career?

The athlete: I'd identify [Brazil defender] Thiago Silva. He's almost old enough to be my dad and has played at the highest level for so long. He consistently attempted to help me from the minute he arrived and continues to, even now he is not here [after leaving the club in that year].

Kelly: In what way would he assist you?

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

The presenter: It was undoubtedly nice to meet him recently [during the tournament]?

Reece: It proved wonderful to see him again. I'm happy that his team performed admirably in the competition [they were defeated in the penultimate round to the champions his team]. It is consistently positive to encounter him.

Kelly: If you could go back and experience again one match in your career, which would you pick?

James: Assuming the result is going to be the same - I'd select the European Cup decider.

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