Fashion Passion, Looking Up To Didier Drogba & Bond with Hamilton

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The Football Interview constitutes a new series where prominent figures from sports and entertainment join host the interviewer for frank and detailed discussions about football.

We'll explore mental approach and drive, covering defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. The Football Interview uncovers the person behind the player.

Reece James started practicing with the London club at the age of six and - after developing through the youth system and into the first team - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, netting on his first appearance in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in September 2019.

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include making his England debut against Wales in 2020, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

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

The athlete spoke with the interviewer to discuss his professional peaks, Thiago Silva's influence, and his friendship with multiple Formula One title winner the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: First question: name, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?

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

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

Reece: No, it started with, such as, flavored coffees and stuff.

Kelly: We'll begin by talking football. What significance does soccer hold to you?

The defender: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically my entire focus in education. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I just loved the sport.

Kelly: What's your earliest memory of participating? Is this tough to respond to because it was such a big part of your early years and development?

James: No, simply due to my recollection is so bad. My first remembrance was probably, unsure, going to watch my brother play. He is my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

The host: It was significant in your family, wasn't it, because your father was so heavily involved? He's a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a little about that.

Reece: Well there was three children during childhood. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a coach as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

Kelly: Can you recall many of those training periods? Since I read that as young as the age of four, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the back garden.

Reece: Yes, I recall - the training began early. Fortunately, they proved beneficial for me and my sister [Chelsea and England attacker his sister].

The interviewer: Talk to me about your first ever team 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 Kew. I think I was there for about twelve months. From that point that I was scouted for the professional club.

The host: You didn't start as a defender at first, were you? Talk to me about your positional journey and its development...

James: I began as a striker, and then subsequently moved to wide positions, left wing, right side, and eventually to midfield, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at the time.

Kelly: What caused your dislike for it?

The athlete: Because I consistently desired to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the football as frequently but one day everything fell into place and I became a right-back since.

The interviewer: You said you began as a forward - who was your role model?

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

The host: Can you think of 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 going on loan. Transitioning between academy and senior level is most challenging and this represents likely what many athletes transitioning upwards find challenging.

The presenter: You're talking about the club, naturally. Why did Wigan become the right club for you at that period? The location was miles away from everything you knew in London - what made it successful so well?

James: The first thing is that I featured consistently, which helps. I gained a lot of experiences - I moved away from my friends and relatives and had to grow up quickly. Participating on a regular schedule assisted significantly.

The interviewer: Who has had the greatest influence on your career?

Reece: I would say [Brazil defender] Thiago Silva. He's almost sufficiently experienced to be my father and has competed at elite standard for many years. He consistently attempted to assist me from the moment he arrived and continues to, presently he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].

The host: How specifically would he help you?

Reece: These were small pieces of advice off the pitch. During matches, he occasionally see things that I saw alternatively and attempt and paint a different picture.

The presenter: It was undoubtedly pleasant to see him recently [at the Club World Cup]?

Reece: It proved wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm happy that his club performed admirably in the tournament [they lost 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, which would you pick?

Reece: If the outcome is going to be the identical - I'd select the European Cup decider.

The host: Other than winning, what was so special about that night