Fashion Passion, Idolizing Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton
- Released
This Sports Conversation represents a new series in which prominent figures from athletics and show business join presenter Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive discussions about football.
We'll explore mental approach and motivation, discussing pivotal experiences, career highlights and individual insights. The Football Interview reveals the person behind the athlete.
The Chelsea defender started practicing with the London club at six years old and - having progressed through the academy and into the first team - is now club captain.
The defender introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in September 2019.
Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include making his England debut against Wales in 2020, claiming the Champions League with his club in 2021, and being named team skipper in 2023.
However, things have not always gone smoothly, with multiple fitness issues impacting him over recent years.
James sat down with Kelly Somers to talk about his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.
'He's nearly old enough to be my dad' - Reece James reveals Thiago Silva's impact on his career
The interviewer: First question: name, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?
Reece James: I am Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure more people will recognize that area. My coffee is a flat white.
Kelly: Has it always been a flat white?
James: No, I began with, like, vanilla lattes and similar drinks.
Kelly: We'll begin by talking football. What does football mean to you?
Reece: Essentially, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in school. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I simply adored the sport.
The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of participating? 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 so bad. My first remembrance was likely, unsure, attending matches of my brother play. He is two years older than me, and he used to play as well.
The host: It was significant in your family, wasn't it, because your father was so heavily involved? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Tell me a bit about that.
Reece: Well we were three of us growing up. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a trainer as well, and we frequently practiced a lot with him.
The presenter: Do you remember many of those training periods? Because I read that starting from the age of four, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.
James: Yeah, I recall - the drills started young. Fortunately, they proved beneficial for me and my sibling [Chelsea and England attacker Lauren James].
The interviewer: Talk to me about your initial club that you represented as a youngster, its name, and your memories?
The defender: My recollection is limited, frankly. That was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I believe I was there for about twelve months. It was from there that I was scouted for Chelsea.
Kelly: You didn't start as a defender at first, correct? Talk to me about your role evolution and its development...
Reece: I started off as a striker, and then eventually transitioned to wide positions, left side, right wing, and eventually to midfield, and then finally at right-back, and I disliked it at the time.
Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?
Reece: Because I always wanted to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the ball as frequently but eventually everything fell into place and I've been a right-back since.
The defender claimed the prestigious trophy in 2021 when his team defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the championship match 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 Chelsea fan growing up and he represented the athlete I admired.
The host: Can you think of a turning point in your career - a moment that has shaped you and the player you have evolved into?
The defender: I'd likely identify the loan spell. Transitioning between youth and first-team football is most challenging and this represents likely what many athletes making the jump find challenging.
Kelly: You're referring to the club, of course. Why was Wigan the right club for you at the time? The location was miles away from all you knew in the capital - why did it work so effectively?
Reece: The first thing is that I played consistently, which proves beneficial. I acquired valuable exposure - I moved away from my friends and relatives and was forced to mature quickly. Participating on a regular schedule assisted a lot.
Kelly: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your professional journey?
Reece: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He is almost sufficiently experienced to be my dad and has competed at elite standard for many years. He consistently attempted to help me from the moment he arrived and still does, presently he is not here [having left Chelsea in 2024].
Kelly: How specifically would he help you?
James: It was little messages away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally see things that I perceived alternatively and try and paint a different picture.
Kelly: It must have been pleasant to meet him recently [during the tournament]?
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 eventual winners Chelsea]. It's always good to see him.
Kelly: If you could go back and replay a single game in your career, what would you choose?
James: If the outcome is going to be the same - I'd select the Champions League [final].
Kelly: Besides winning, what made it exceptional about that night
