Style Obsession, Idolizing Drogba & Bond with Hamilton
- Released
This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program where leading personalities from sports and entertainment participate with host Kelly Somers for frank and detailed discussions about football.
The program examines mindset and drive, discussing pivotal experiences, professional achievements and personal reflections. The Football Interview uncovers the individual beyond the athlete.
Reece James started practicing with the London club at the age of six and - after developing through the academy and into the senior squad - is now team leader.
The defender introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a 7-1 victory over the opposition in September 2019.
Now 25, James' career highlights to date include making his international bow against the Welsh team in the year 2020, winning the Champions League 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 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.
'He's nearly old enough to be my dad' - Reece James reveals the veteran's influence on his professional journey
Kelly Somers: First question: name, your origins, and what's your coffee order?
The athlete: I am Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure many will know that area. My coffee is a flat white.
Kelly: Has it always been a flat white?
James: Not exactly, I began with, such as, flavored coffees and similar drinks.
Kelly: We'll begin by talking football. What does football mean to you?
The defender: I mean, from childhood, it was practically my entire focus in school. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I simply adored the sport.
The interviewer: Your first recollection of participating? Is this difficult to respond to because it represented a big part of your childhood and development?
James: No, simply due to my recollection is quite poor. My first remembrance was probably, I don't know, attending matches of my sibling play. He is my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.
The host: It was big in your household, wasn't it, because your father was so heavily involved? He is a football coach too, right? Share with me a little about that.
The athlete: So we were three children growing up. It was 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? Because I learned that starting from the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.
Reece: Yeah, I remember - the drills began early. Fortunately, they paid off for me and my sibling [Chelsea and England forward his sister].
The interviewer: Talk to me about your initial club that you played for as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?
Reece: My recollection is limited, to be honest. That was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I think 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 first, correct? Explain about your role evolution and how that changed...
Reece: I began as a forward, and then subsequently moved to wide positions, left side, right wing, and later to central positions, and then eventually at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.
The presenter: Why did you hate it?
Reece: Since I always wanted to play midfield. You didn't touch the ball as much but eventually it just clicked and I became a defender since.
The defender claimed the prestigious trophy in 2021 when his team defeated Man City by one goal in the final in Porto
Kelly: You said you started as an attacker - who served as your role model?
Reece: The player I admired was [Didier] Drogba. I was a supporter growing up and he represented the player I looked up to.
Kelly: Can you think of a turning point in your professional life - an experience that has influenced your development and the player you have become?
The defender: I'd likely identify the loan spell. Bridging the gap between youth and senior level is most challenging and this represents likely what most players making the jump find difficult.
The presenter: You're talking about Wigan, naturally. Why was Wigan the ideal team for you at that period? The location was miles away from all you were familiar with in London - why did it work so effectively?
James: The primary factor is that I featured consistently, which helps. I acquired a lot of experiences - I moved away from my companions and relatives and had to grow up quickly. Participating on a consistent basis assisted a lot.
The interviewer: Who has had the biggest impact on your professional journey?
The athlete: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's almost sufficiently experienced to be my dad and has played at elite standard for many years. He always tried to help me from the minute he arrived and continues to, presently he is not here [having left Chelsea in 2024].
The host: In what way would he help you?
James: It was little messages away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I saw differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.
The presenter: It must have been pleasant to meet him recently [at the Club World Cup]?
Reece: It was great to see him again. I'm pleased that his club performed admirably in the tournament [they lost in the semi-finals to the champions Chelsea]. It is always good to encounter him.
Kelly: If you could go back and replay one match in your career, which would you pick?
James: If the outcome is remains the same - it would be the European Cup decider.
Kelly: Besides winning, what made it exceptional about that night
