Fashion Passion, Looking Up To Didier Drogba & Bond with Lewis Hamilton

• Published
  47 minutes ago

This Sports Conversation represents a new series in which prominent figures from athletics and show business participate with host Kelly Somers for candid and comprehensive discussions about the beautiful game.

We'll explore mindset and motivation, discussing defining moments, professional achievements and individual insights. This series reveals the individual beyond the athlete.

The Chelsea defender started training with the London club at the age of six and - having progressed through the youth system and into the senior squad - 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 September 2019.

Now 25, James' career highlights to date include making his England debut against Wales in 2020, claiming the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being appointed club captain in 2023.

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

The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to discuss his professional peaks, Thiago Silva's influence, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

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

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

The host: Was it consistently a flat white?

James: Not exactly, it started with, such as, flavored coffees and similar drinks.

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

The defender: Essentially, from childhood, 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: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this difficult to answer because it was such a big part of your early years and growing up?

James: No, simply due to my recollection is quite poor. My earliest memory was probably, I don't know, going to watch my sibling compete. He's two years older than me, and he also participated as well.

Kelly: It was significant in your family, correct, because your father was so heavily involved? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Share with me a bit about that.

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

The presenter: Do you remember many of those sessions? Since I read that as young as the age of four, you practiced outdoors and he conducted drills with you in the back garden.

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

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

The defender: My recollection is limited, to be honest. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I think I played for about a year. From that point that I was scouted for the professional club.

Kelly: You didn't start as a backline player at initially, were you? Explain about your role evolution and how that changed...

Reece: I started off as a striker, and then eventually transitioned to the wing, left side, right side, and later to midfield, and then finally at defensive role, and I hated it at that period.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Since I consistently desired to play midfield. There was less involvement with the ball as much but one day everything fell into place and I became a right-back since.

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

James: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a Chelsea fan during youth and he was the player I admired.

Kelly: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your career - an experience that has influenced your development and the player you have evolved into?

The defender: I'd likely identify the loan spell. Transitioning between academy and first-team football is most challenging and that is probably what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

The presenter: You're referring to the club, of course. What made was Wigan the ideal team for you at the time? It was distant from everything you were familiar with in London - what made it successful so effectively?

Reece: The first thing is that I played week in week out, which proves beneficial. I acquired a lot of experiences - I moved away from my companions and family and had to grow up fast. Playing on a consistent basis assisted significantly.

The interviewer: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?

Reece: I would say [Brazil defender] Thiago Silva. He is almost old enough to be my dad and has competed at elite standard for many years. He always tried to help me from the minute he arrived and still does, presently he is departed [after leaving the club in 2024].

The host: How specifically would he help you?

James: It was little messages away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally see things that I perceived differently and attempt and offer alternative perspectives.

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

The defender: It was great to see him again. I'm happy that his team performed admirably in the tournament [they were defeated in the penultimate round to the champions his team]. It is 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 going to be the identical - I'd select the Champions League [final].

The host: Other than victory, what made it exceptional about that night