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The Football Interview represents an innovative program where prominent figures from sports and show business participate with host the interviewer for frank and detailed discussions about football.

The program examines mindset and motivation, discussing pivotal experiences, professional achievements and personal reflections. The Football Interview uncovers the individual behind the athlete.

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

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

Currently twenty-five, James' career highlights so far include earning his international bow against the Welsh team in the year 2020, claiming the European Cup with Chelsea in 2021, and being named club captain in 2023.

Nevertheless, things have not always gone smoothly, with a series of injuries affecting him over recent years.

The athlete spoke with the interviewer to discuss his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his friendship with multiple Formula One title winner the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: First question: name, where you're from, and your preferred coffee?

The athlete: I am Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will know that location. My coffee is a specific coffee type.

Kelly: Has it always been a flat white?

Reece: Not exactly, I began with, such as, flavored coffees and similar drinks.

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

Reece: Essentially, from a little kid, it's kind of all I knew in school. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I just loved the sport.

Kelly: 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: Not particularly, just because my recollection is so bad. My first remembrance was probably, unsure, attending matches of my sibling play. He's my senior by two years than me, and he used to play as well.

Kelly: It was big in your household, correct, because your father was deeply engaged? He is a soccer trainer too, isn't he? Tell me a bit about that.

The athlete: So there was three children during childhood. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he obviously was a trainer as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

Kelly: Can you recall a lot of those training periods? Because I learned that starting from the four years old, you were outside and he was doing exercises with you in the back garden.

Reece: Yes, I recall - the training began early. Thankfully, they paid off for myself and my sibling [Chelsea and national team forward his sister].

Kelly: Tell me about your initial club that you represented as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?

Reece: I don't remember much, frankly. That 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, correct? Talk to me about your positional journey and how that changed...

Reece: I began as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to wide positions, left wing, right wing, and eventually to central positions, and then finally at defensive role, and I disliked it at the time.

The presenter: What caused your dislike for it?

Reece: Because I always wanted to play midfield. You didn't touch the ball as much but eventually everything fell into place and I've been a defender since.

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

James: My idol was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter growing up and he was the player I looked up to.

The host: Identify a pivotal moment in your professional life - a moment that has influenced your development and the professional you have become?

The defender: I would probably say going on loan. Bridging the gap between youth and senior level is the hardest and this represents probably what most players making the jump find difficult.

The presenter: You're referring to the club, of course. Why did Wigan become the right club for you at that period? The location was miles away from everything you were familiar with in the capital - what made it successful so effectively?

Reece: The primary factor is that I featured week in week out, which proves beneficial. I gained a lot of experiences - I moved away from my companions and family and was forced to mature fast. Participating on a regular schedule helped significantly.

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

Reece: I would say [Brazil defender] the veteran. He's almost sufficiently experienced to be my dad and has competed at elite standard for so long. He always tried to assist me from the minute he joined and continues to, even now he is departed [after leaving the club in 2024].

Kelly: In what way would he help you?

Reece: These were little messages away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I saw alternatively and attempt and paint a different picture.

The presenter: It must have been pleasant to meet him recently [during the tournament]?

Reece: It was great to reconnect with him. I'm happy that his team performed admirably in the tournament [they were defeated in the penultimate round to eventual winners Chelsea]. It is always good to encounter him.

Kelly: If you could return and experience again one match in your professional history, which would you pick?

Reece: Assuming the result is going to be the identical - I'd select the Champions League [final].

Kelly: Besides winning, what made it exceptional about that night