Fashion Passion, Idolizing Drogba & Bond with Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation constitutes a new series where leading personalities from athletics and entertainment join host Kelly Somers for frank and comprehensive dialogues about the beautiful game.

The program examines mental approach and motivation, discussing pivotal experiences, career highlights and personal reflections. The Football Interview reveals the individual behind the athlete.

The Chelsea defender began practicing with the London club at the age of six and - having progressed through the academy and into the senior squad - is now club captain.

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

Now 25, his professional achievements so far include making his England debut against the Welsh team in 2020, claiming the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

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

The athlete spoke with the interviewer to talk about his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

The interviewer: First question: name, your origins, and your preferred coffee?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will know that location. My coffee is a flat white.

Kelly: Was it consistently a that particular coffee?

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

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

Reece: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically all I knew in education. I wasn't the brightest kid, and I simply adored the sport.

Kelly: Your first recollection of participating? Is this tough to answer because it was such a significant aspect of your early years and growing up?

Reece: Not particularly, simply due to my memory is so bad. My first remembrance was likely, I don't know, attending matches of 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 dad was deeply engaged? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Share with me a bit about that.

Reece: So we were three of us during childhood. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a trainer as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

Kelly: Can you recall a lot of those training periods? Because I read that starting from the age of four, you were outside and he was doing exercises with you in the back garden.

Reece: Yeah, I recall - the training started young. Fortunately, they paid off for me and my sibling [the club and national team forward Lauren James].

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

The defender: I don't remember much, to be honest. It was the local team in the area. I believe I was there for about twelve months. From that point that I was scouted for Chelsea.

Kelly: You didn't start as a defender at first, correct? Explain about your role evolution and how that changed...

Reece: I started off as a forward, and then subsequently transitioned to the wing, left side, right wing, and later to central positions, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.

The presenter: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Because I always wanted to occupy central positions. You didn't touch the football as much but eventually everything fell into place and I became a right-back since.

Kelly: You mentioned you began as a forward - who was your idol?

Reece: The player I admired was [Didier] Drogba. I was a supporter growing up and he was the athlete I looked up to.

The host: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your career - a moment that has influenced your development and the player you have become?

The defender: I would probably say the loan spell. Transitioning between youth and first-team football is the hardest and this represents likely what most players making the jump find challenging.

The presenter: You're talking about the club, naturally. Why was Wigan the ideal team for you at that period? The location was miles away from everything you were familiar with in London - why did it work so well?

Reece: The primary factor is that I featured consistently, which helps. I acquired valuable exposure - I moved away from my friends and relatives and was forced to mature quickly. Participating on a regular schedule assisted significantly.

The interviewer: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your professional journey?

Reece: I'd identify [Brazil defender] the veteran. He's nearly 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 joined and continues to, presently he is departed [after leaving the club in that year].

Kelly: How specifically would he assist you?

Reece: These were small pieces of advice away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I saw alternatively and try and offer alternative perspectives.

The presenter: It was undoubtedly pleasant to see him recently [during the tournament]?

The defender: It proved great to see him again. I'm happy that his club performed admirably in the tournament [they lost in the semi-finals to the champions Chelsea]. It's always good to encounter him.

Kelly: If you could go back and replay one match in your career, which would you pick?

Reece: Assuming the result is going to be the same - I'd select the European Cup decider.

Kelly: Other than victory, what was so special about the occasion