Style Obsession, Idolizing Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton
- Published
This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program where prominent figures from athletics and entertainment join presenter the interviewer for candid and comprehensive dialogues about the beautiful game.
The program examines mental approach and motivation, covering defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. The Football Interview reveals the individual behind the athlete.
The Chelsea defender started practicing with Chelsea at six years old and - having progressed through the academy and into the senior squad - is now team leader.
James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in style, scoring on his debut in a comprehensive win over the opposition in September 2019.
Currently twenty-five, his professional achievements so far include earning his England debut against the Welsh team in 2020, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, and being named team skipper in 2023.
Nevertheless, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries impacting him over recent years.
The athlete spoke with Kelly Somers to discuss his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
'He's nearly old enough to be my dad' - Reece James reveals the veteran's influence on his career
Kelly Somers: Initial inquiry: name, where you're from, and your preferred coffee?
The athlete: The name is Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure many will recognize that area. My coffee is a flat white.
Kelly: Has it always been a that particular coffee?
Reece: Not exactly, it started with, like, vanilla lattes and similar drinks.
Kelly: Let's start by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?
The defender: Essentially, from childhood, it was practically my entire focus in school. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I just loved playing football.
The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of participating? Is this difficult to answer because it represented a significant aspect of your early years and growing up?
Reece: Not particularly, just because my memory is so bad. My first remembrance was likely, I don't know, going to watch my brother compete. He is my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.
Kelly: It was big in your household, correct, because your dad was deeply engaged? He's a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a bit about that.
Reece: Well we were three children during childhood. It was all football mad, and he obviously was a trainer as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.
The presenter: Do you remember a lot of those training periods? Because I read that as young as the four years old, you were outside and he was doing drills with you in the back garden.
James: Yes, I remember - the training started young. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for me and my sister [Chelsea and national team attacker his sister].
Kelly: Tell me about your initial club that you played for as a child, what was it called, and your memories?
The defender: My recollection is limited, frankly. It was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I believe I played for about a year. From that point that talent spotters noticed me for the professional club.
Kelly: You didn't start as a defender at first, were you? Explain about your role evolution and its development...
James: I began as a forward, and then eventually transitioned to wide positions, left side, right side, and later to midfield, and then eventually at defensive role, and I disliked it at that period.
Kelly: Why did you hate it?
The athlete: Because I always wanted to occupy central positions. You didn't touch the ball as much but eventually it just clicked and I've been a defender since.
Reece James won the prestigious trophy in 2021 when his team defeated Man City 1-0 in the final in Porto
Kelly: You said you began as an attacker - who was your role model?
Reece: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter growing up and he was the player 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 evolved into?
Reece: I would probably say the loan spell. Transitioning between youth and senior level is the hardest and this represents probably what many athletes making the jump find challenging.
Kelly: You're talking about Wigan, naturally. What made was Wigan the ideal team for you at the time? The location was miles away from all you were familiar with in the capital - what made it successful so well?
Reece: The primary factor is that I featured consistently, which proves beneficial. I gained a lot of experiences - I relocated from my friends and relatives and had to grow up quickly. Playing on a regular schedule helped significantly.
The interviewer: Who has had the greatest influence on your professional journey?
Reece: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He is almost sufficiently experienced to be my dad and has played at the highest level for many years. He consistently attempted to help me from the minute he arrived and continues to, presently he is departed [after leaving the club in that year].
Kelly: How specifically would he assist you?
Reece: These were little messages off the pitch. On the pitch, he occasionally see things that I perceived differently and try and paint a different picture.
Kelly: It must have been pleasant to meet him recently [during the tournament]?
Reece: It was wonderful to see him again. I'm happy that his team did well in the competition [they lost in the semi-finals to eventual winners Chelsea]. It is always good to encounter him.
The interviewer: Were you able to return and experience again a single game in your professional history, what would you choose?
James: Assuming the result is going to be the identical - it would be the European Cup decider.
The host: Other than victory, what was so special about the occasion
