Style Obsession, Looking Up To Didier Drogba & Friendship with Hamilton
- Published
The Football Interview represents an innovative program where prominent figures from sports and show business participate with presenter Kelly Somers for candid and detailed dialogues about football.
We'll explore mental approach and motivation, covering pivotal experiences, professional achievements and individual insights. This series uncovers the individual behind the player.
The Chelsea defender began training with the London club at the age of six and - after developing through the academy and into the senior squad - is now team leader.
James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, netting on his first appearance in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in 2019.
Currently twenty-five, his professional achievements to date include earning his England debut against Wales in the year 2020, winning the European Cup with his club in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.
However, things have not always gone smoothly, with a series of injuries impacting him over the past four seasons.
James sat down with the interviewer to discuss his professional peaks, the Brazilian's impact, and his friendship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.
'He's nearly old enough to be my dad' - Reece James reveals Thiago Silva's impact on his career
Kelly Somers: First question: name, where you're from, and your preferred coffee?
Reece James: The name is Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I expect many will know that location. My beverage is a specific coffee type.
The host: Has it always been a flat white?
Reece: Not exactly, it started with, like, flavored coffees and stuff.
The presenter: We'll begin by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?
Reece: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically my entire focus in school. I wasn't the most academic student, and I just loved playing football.
Kelly: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this tough to answer because it was such a big part of your childhood and development?
James: Not particularly, simply due to my memory is so bad. My first remembrance was probably, unsure, attending matches of my sibling play. He's two years older than me, and he also participated as well.
Kelly: It was significant in your household, correct, because your dad was so heavily involved? He is a football coach too, isn't he? Share with me a bit about that.
Reece: Well there was three children during childhood. We were completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a trainer as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.
The presenter: Do you remember a lot of those sessions? Because I learned 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 began early. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for me and my sister [Chelsea and national team forward Lauren James].
The interviewer: Tell me about your first ever team that you played for as a child, its name, and what can you remember?
Reece: I don't remember much, frankly. It was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I believe I played for about a year. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for Chelsea.
The host: You didn't start as a defender at first, correct? Explain about your positional journey and its development...
James: I started off as a striker, and then subsequently moved to wide positions, left side, right wing, and eventually to central positions, and then eventually at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.
Kelly: Why did you hate it?
Reece: Because I consistently desired to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the football as frequently but one day everything fell into place and I've been a right-back since.
The defender claimed the Champions League in 2021 when his team defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the final in Porto
Kelly: You mentioned you started as an attacker - who served as your idol?
Reece: My idol 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 turning point in your professional life - an experience that has shaped you and the player you have become?
Reece: I'd likely identify going on loan. Bridging the gap between academy and first-team football is most challenging and that is likely what most players making the jump find difficult.
Kelly: You're talking about Wigan, naturally. What made did Wigan become the right club for you at that period? It was distant from everything you were familiar with in London - what made it successful so effectively?
James: The primary factor is that I played consistently, which proves beneficial. I acquired a lot of experiences - I moved away from my friends and relatives and was forced to grow up fast. Participating on a regular schedule assisted significantly.
The interviewer: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
Reece: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He is almost old enough to be my father and has competed at elite standard for so long. He consistently attempted to help me from the moment he arrived and continues to, even now he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].
The host: In what way would he assist you?
James: It was little messages off the pitch. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I perceived differently and attempt and paint a different picture.
Kelly: It must have been nice to see him this summer [during the tournament]?
The defender: It proved great to see him again. I'm happy that his team did well in the tournament [they lost in the penultimate round to the champions Chelsea]. It is consistently positive to encounter him.
Kelly: Were you able to return and experience again one match in your professional history, which would you pick?
Reece: If the outcome is going to be the identical - I'd select the European Cup decider.
The host: Other than winning, what made it exceptional about that night
