Fashion Passion, Looking Up To Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program in which leading personalities from athletics and show business participate with host the interviewer for candid and comprehensive discussions about the beautiful game.

We'll explore mental approach and motivation, covering defining moments, career highlights and personal reflections. The Football Interview uncovers the individual beyond the athlete.

The Chelsea defender started training with the London club at the age of six and - after developing through the youth system and into the senior squad - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, scoring on his debut in a 7-1 victory over the opposition in September 2019.

Now 25, James' career highlights so far include earning his international bow against Wales in the year 2020, claiming the Champions League with his club in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

However, things have not always gone smoothly, with multiple fitness issues affecting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with the interviewer to discuss his professional peaks, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The interviewer: First question: identity, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

The athlete: I am Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will know that area. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

Kelly: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

Reece: No, it started with, like, vanilla lattes and stuff.

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

The defender: Essentially, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in education. I wasn't exactly the most academic student, and I simply adored the sport.

The interviewer: Your first recollection of participating? Is this difficult to answer because it represented 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 compete. He is two years older than me, and he also participated as well.

The host: It was big in your household, wasn't it, because your dad was so heavily involved? He's a football coach too, right? Share with me a bit about that.

The athlete: Well we were three children growing up. We were completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we frequently practiced a lot with him.

Kelly: Can you recall many of those training periods? Since I learned that starting from the age of four, you practiced outdoors and he was doing drills with you in the yard.

Reece: Yes, I recall - the drills started young. Fortunately, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [the club and England forward his sister].

Kelly: Talk to me about your initial club that you represented as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?

The defender: I don't remember much, frankly. That was the local team in the area. I think I played for about a year. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.

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

James: I started off as a forward, and then eventually moved to the wing, left wing, right side, and eventually to central positions, and then finally at right-back, and I hated it at that period.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

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

Kelly: You mentioned you began as a forward - who served as your role model?

James: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter growing up and he was the player I admired.

Kelly: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your career - a moment that has shaped you and the player you have become?

Reece: I'd likely identify the loan spell. Transitioning between youth and senior level is the hardest and that is likely what most players making the jump find challenging.

The presenter: You're referring to the club, of course. Why did Wigan become the right club for you at the time? The location was distant from all you knew in London - why did it work so effectively?

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

Kelly: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your career?

Reece: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He is almost old enough to be my father and has played at elite standard for many years. He always tried to assist me from the moment he joined and still does, presently he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].

Kelly: How specifically would he help you?

James: It was small pieces of advice off the pitch. During matches, he occasionally observe situations that I perceived differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

Kelly: It was undoubtedly nice to see him this summer [during the tournament]?

Reece: It was wonderful to see him again. I'm pleased that his club performed admirably in the competition [they lost in the penultimate round to the champions his team]. It is consistently positive to encounter him.

Kelly: Were you able to return and experience again one match in your career, which would you pick?

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

Kelly: Besides victory, what made it exceptional about that night