Style Obsession, Looking Up To Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton

• Published
  47 minutes ago

This Sports Conversation represents an innovative program where leading personalities from athletics and entertainment join presenter Kelly Somers for candid and comprehensive discussions about football.

We'll explore mindset and drive, covering defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. This series uncovers the person beyond the athlete.

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

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, netting on his first appearance in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Now 25, his professional achievements to date include earning his England debut against the Welsh team in the year 2020, winning the European Cup with Chelsea in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries affecting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with Kelly Somers to discuss his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

Kelly Somers: Initial inquiry: identity, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

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

Kelly: Was it consistently a flat white?

James: Not exactly, it started with, like, vanilla lattes and stuff.

The presenter: Let's start by talking football. What does football mean to you?

Reece: I mean, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in education. I wasn't exactly the most academic student, and I just loved playing football.

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

Reece: Not particularly, simply due to my recollection is so bad. My earliest memory was probably, I don't know, going to watch my brother play. He is my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

Kelly: It was big in your family, correct, because your father was so heavily involved? He's a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Share with me a little about that.

Reece: So there was three children during childhood. We were completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

The presenter: Do you remember a lot of those training periods? Since I read that starting from the four years old, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.

Reece: Yeah, I recall - the training began early. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for me and my sister [the club and national team forward his sister].

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

The defender: I don't remember much, frankly. That was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I believe I was there for about twelve months. From that point that I was scouted for the professional club.

Kelly: You didn't start as a defender at initially, correct? Talk to me about your role evolution and its development...

Reece: I started off as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to wide positions, left side, right wing, and eventually to midfield, and then finally at right-back, and I hated it at the time.

The presenter: What caused your dislike for it?

The athlete: Because I consistently desired to occupy central positions. You didn't touch the football as frequently but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

Kelly: You said you began as an attacker - who was your idol?

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

Kelly: Can you think of a turning point in your professional life - an experience that has influenced your development and the player you have evolved into?

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

Kelly: You're talking about Wigan, naturally. Why was Wigan the ideal team for you at that period? It was miles away from everything you were familiar with in the capital - what made it successful so well?

Reece: The primary factor is that I featured consistently, which helps. I acquired a lot of experiences - I relocated from my friends and relatives and was forced to grow up quickly. Playing on a regular schedule assisted significantly.

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

The athlete: I would say [Brazil defender] the veteran. He's nearly old enough to be my father and has played at the highest level for so long. He always tried to assist me from the minute he joined and still does, presently he is departed [having left Chelsea in that year].

Kelly: How specifically would he assist you?

James: These were little messages away from games. During matches, he occasionally observe situations that I saw alternatively and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

Kelly: It must have been pleasant to meet him this summer [during the tournament]?

Reece: It proved great to see him again. I'm happy that his club did well in the competition [they lost in the semi-finals to the champions Chelsea]. It's consistently positive to encounter him.

Kelly: If you could return and replay a single game in your professional history, what would you choose?

James: If the outcome is remains the identical - I'd select the Champions League [final].

The host: Besides victory, what was so special about that night