Style Obsession, Idolizing Didier Drogba & Friendship with Lewis Hamilton

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This Sports Conversation represents a new series in which prominent figures from athletics and show business join host Kelly Somers for frank and detailed dialogues about the beautiful game.

We'll explore mental approach and motivation, discussing defining moments, professional achievements and individual insights. This series uncovers the individual beyond the player.

Reece James started training with Chelsea at six years old and - after developing through the academy and into the first team - is now club captain.

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a comprehensive win over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, his professional achievements to date include earning his England debut against the Welsh team in the year 2020, winning the Champions League with his club in 2021, and being appointed team skipper in 2023.

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

James sat down with the interviewer to discuss his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with multiple Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton.

Kelly Somers: First question: identity, your origins, and what's your coffee order?

Reece James: I am Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I expect many will recognize that area. My beverage is a flat white.

Kelly: Was it consistently a flat white?

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

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

Reece: I mean, from childhood, it was practically my entire focus in school. I wasn't the most academic student, and I just loved the sport.

The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this difficult to respond to because it represented a big part of your early years and growing up?

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

The host: It was big in your household, wasn't it, because your dad was so heavily involved? He is a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a little about that.

Reece: So there was three of us during childhood. It was all football mad, and he obviously was a coach as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

The presenter: Do you remember a lot of those sessions? Because I read that as young as the four years old, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.

Reece: Yes, I remember - the drills started young. Thankfully, they proved beneficial for myself and my sibling [the club and England attacker his sister].

Kelly: Tell me about your initial club that you represented 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 was there for about a year. From that point that I was scouted for Chelsea.

Kelly: And you weren't a backline player at first, were you? Talk to me about your role evolution and how that changed...

James: I started off as a forward, and then subsequently moved to the wing, left side, right side, and later to midfield, and then finally at defensive role, and I hated it at that period.

The presenter: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Because I consistently desired to occupy central positions. You didn't touch the ball as much but eventually everything fell into place and I became a defender since.

The interviewer: You said you began as a forward - who was your idol?

James: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a Chelsea fan growing up and he was the player I admired.

Kelly: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your career - an experience that has shaped you and the player you have become?

Reece: I would probably say the loan spell. Bridging the gap between academy and senior level is most challenging and this represents likely what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

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

Reece: The primary factor is that I played consistently, which helps. I acquired a lot of experiences - I moved away from my companions and relatives and had to mature quickly. Participating on a consistent basis assisted significantly.

Kelly: Which individual exerted the greatest influence on your career?

The athlete: I would say [the experienced Brazilian] the veteran. He's nearly sufficiently experienced to be my dad and has competed at the highest level for many years. He consistently attempted to help me from the moment he joined and still does, presently he is departed [having left Chelsea in that year].

Kelly: In what way would he help you?

James: It was little messages away from games. During matches, he would sometimes observe situations that I saw alternatively and try and paint a different picture.

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

The defender: It was wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm pleased that his club did well in the competition [they lost in the penultimate round to eventual winners his team]. It is consistently positive to encounter him.

The interviewer: If you could return and experience again one match in your professional history, what would you choose?

James: If the outcome is going to be the identical - I'd select the European Cup decider.

Kelly: Besides victory, what was so special about the occasion