Style Obsession, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation constitutes a new series where prominent figures from athletics and show business join presenter Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive discussions about football.

We'll explore mindset and motivation, discussing defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. This series uncovers the individual behind the player.

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

The defender introduced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, scoring on his first appearance in a comprehensive win over the opposition in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, his professional achievements to date include making his international bow against the Welsh team in 2020, winning 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.

The athlete spoke with the interviewer to talk about his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his friendship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

Kelly Somers: Initial inquiry: identity, where you're from, and what's your coffee order?

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

The host: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

James: No, I began with, like, flavored coffees and similar drinks.

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

Reece: I mean, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in education. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I simply adored the sport.

The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this difficult to respond to because it represented a significant aspect of your childhood and development?

Reece: Not particularly, simply due to my recollection is quite poor. My first remembrance was probably, unsure, going to watch my brother compete. He is my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

Kelly: It was significant in your household, correct, because your father was deeply engaged? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Tell me a little about that.

Reece: So we were three children during childhood. We were all football mad, and he naturally was a trainer as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

Kelly: Do you remember a lot of those training periods? Since I read that as young as the age of four, you were outside and he was doing drills with you in the yard.

Reece: Yes, I remember - the training began early. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for myself and my sibling [the club and England forward his sister].

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

The defender: I don't remember much, to be honest. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I believe I played for about twelve months. It was from there that I was scouted for the professional club.

Kelly: And you weren't a defender at first, correct? Explain about your role evolution and its development...

James: I began as a striker, and then subsequently moved to wide positions, left side, right wing, and eventually to midfield, and then eventually at right-back, and I disliked it at that period.

The presenter: What caused your dislike for it?

Reece: Because I consistently desired to play midfield. You didn't touch the football as frequently but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

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

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

The host: Identify a pivotal moment in your career - a moment that has influenced your development and the professional you have evolved into?

Reece: I'd likely identify going on loan. Bridging the gap between youth and senior level is most challenging and this represents probably what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're referring to Wigan, of course. Why did Wigan become the right club for you at that period? The location was miles away from everything you knew in the capital - what made it successful so well?

James: The primary factor is that I played week in week out, which proves beneficial. I acquired a lot of experiences - I moved away from my friends and relatives and had to grow up quickly. Playing on a regular schedule helped significantly.

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

Reece: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's nearly old enough to be my father and has played at the highest level for so long. He always tried to help me from the moment he arrived and still does, even now he is departed [having left Chelsea in that year].

The host: How specifically would he assist you?

James: These were little messages off the pitch. On the pitch, he would sometimes observe situations that I perceived differently and try and paint a different picture.

Kelly: It must have been nice to see him this summer [at the Club World Cup]?

Reece: It was great to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his club did well in the competition [they were defeated in the penultimate round to the champions Chelsea]. It's always good to see him.

Kelly: If you could return and replay one match in your professional history, which would you pick?

James: If the outcome is remains the same - I'd select the European Cup decider.

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