Fashion Passion, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Bond with Lewis Hamilton

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The Football Interview constitutes a new series in which prominent figures from sports and show business participate with presenter Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive dialogues about the beautiful game.

We'll explore mental approach and drive, covering pivotal experiences, professional achievements and individual insights. The Football Interview reveals the person beyond the athlete.

The Chelsea defender began training with Chelsea at the age of six and - having progressed through the academy and into the first team - is now team leader.

James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, scoring on his first appearance in a 7-1 victory over the opposition in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, his professional achievements to date include making his international bow against Wales in 2020, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed club captain in 2023.

However, things have not always gone smoothly, with multiple fitness issues impacting him over recent years.

James sat down with the interviewer to discuss his professional peaks, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with multiple Formula One title winner the racing driver.

The interviewer: First question: name, where you're from, and your preferred coffee?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I grew up in Mortlake, near Richmond - I'm sure many will know that area. My beverage is a specific coffee type.

Kelly: Has it always been a flat white?

Reece: Not exactly, it started with, such as, flavored coffees and stuff.

Kelly: We'll begin by talking football. What does football mean to you?

Reece: I mean, from a little kid, it was practically my entire focus in school. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I simply adored the sport.

Kelly: What's your earliest memory of participating? Is this difficult to answer because it was such a big part of your childhood and development?

Reece: Not particularly, just because my memory is so bad. My earliest memory was likely, unsure, going to watch my sibling compete. He's my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

Kelly: It was big in your household, wasn't it, because your dad was so heavily involved? He is a soccer trainer too, right? Tell 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 sessions? Since I read that as young as the four years old, you practiced outdoors and he was doing drills with you in the yard.

Reece: Yes, I remember - the drills started young. Fortunately, they paid off for myself and my sister [Chelsea and England forward Lauren James].

The interviewer: Talk to me about your first ever team that you played for as a child, its name, and your memories?

Reece: I don't remember much, frankly. That was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I believe I was there for about a year. It was from there that talent spotters noticed me for the professional club.

The host: And you weren't a defender at first, correct? Talk to me about your positional journey and its development...

James: I began as a forward, and then subsequently moved to wide positions, left wing, right wing, and eventually to midfield, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.

The presenter: Why did you hate it?

Reece: Since I consistently desired to occupy central positions. You didn't touch the football as much but eventually everything fell into place and I've been a right-back since.

The interviewer: You said you started as a forward - who served as your idol?

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

The host: Can you think of a turning point in your professional life - a moment that has shaped you and the player you have become?

The defender: I'd likely identify the loan spell. Bridging the gap between academy and first-team football is most challenging and this represents likely what many athletes making the jump find challenging.

The presenter: You're referring to the club, of course. Why was Wigan the right club for you at that period? The location was miles away from all you were familiar with in London - what made it successful so well?

James: The first thing is that I featured week in week out, which proves beneficial. I gained valuable exposure - I relocated from my companions and family and had to grow up quickly. Playing on a consistent basis helped significantly.

Kelly: Who has had the greatest influence on your professional journey?

The athlete: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He is almost old enough to be my dad and has played at the highest level for many years. He consistently attempted to assist me from the moment he arrived and continues to, even now he is not here [after leaving the club in that year].

Kelly: How specifically would he help you?

Reece: It was little messages off the pitch. On the pitch, he would sometimes see things that I saw alternatively and try and offer alternative perspectives.

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

The defender: It proved wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his team performed admirably in the competition [they lost in the semi-finals to the champions his team]. It is always good to see him.

The interviewer: If you could go back and experience again a single game in your professional history, which would you pick?

James: Assuming the result is remains the same - I'd select the Champions League [final].

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