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This Sports Conversation constitutes an innovative program in which prominent figures from athletics and entertainment participate with presenter the interviewer for candid and detailed discussions about the beautiful game.

The program examines mindset and motivation, covering defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. The Football Interview reveals the person behind the player.

Reece James began training with the London club at six years old and - having progressed through the academy and into the first team - is now club captain.

James announced himself to Chelsea supporters in impressive fashion, netting on his debut in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in 2019.

Currently twenty-five, his professional achievements to date include making his international bow against Wales in 2020, claiming the European Cup with Chelsea in 2021, and being named team skipper in 2023.

However, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with multiple fitness issues impacting him over recent years.

James sat down with Kelly Somers to discuss his career highs, Thiago Silva's influence, and his friendship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

Kelly Somers: First question: name, your origins, and your preferred coffee?

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I was raised in Mortlake, near Richmond - I expect many will know that location. My beverage is a flat white.

Kelly: Has it always been a that particular coffee?

James: Not exactly, I began with, like, vanilla lattes and stuff.

The presenter: We'll begin by talking football. What significance does soccer hold to you?

Reece: I mean, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in education. I wasn't exactly the most academic student, and I simply adored playing football.

Kelly: What's your earliest memory of playing? Is this tough to respond to because it was such a significant aspect of your early years and development?

James: Not particularly, just because my memory is so bad. My earliest memory was probably, unsure, going to watch my brother compete. He's my senior by two years than me, and he also participated as well.

The host: It was significant in your family, wasn't it, because your father was deeply engaged? He's a football coach too, isn't he? Share with me a little about that.

The athlete: So we were three of us growing up. We were all football mad, and he naturally was a coach as well, and we used to train extensively with him.

The presenter: Can you recall a lot of those training periods? Because I learned that starting from the age of four, you were outside and he conducted exercises with you in the yard.

James: Yes, I remember - the training started young. Thankfully, they paid off for me and my sibling [Chelsea and England attacker his sister].

Kelly: Tell me about your first ever team that you represented as a child, its name, and your memories?

Reece: 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.

The host: And you weren't a defender at initially, were you? Explain about your role evolution and its development...

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

The presenter: What caused your dislike for it?

Reece: Since I consistently desired to play midfield. You didn't touch the football as much but eventually everything fell into place and I became a right-back since.

The interviewer: You mentioned you began as a forward - who served as your role model?

Reece: My idol was [Didier] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter during youth and he represented the athlete I admired.

Kelly: Can you think of a turning point in your professional life - an experience that has influenced your development and the professional 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 probably what most players transitioning upwards find challenging.

Kelly: You're referring to Wigan, naturally. What made did Wigan become the ideal team for you at that period? It was miles away from everything you were familiar with in the capital - why did it work so effectively?

Reece: The primary factor is that I played consistently, which helps. I acquired valuable exposure - I relocated from my companions and relatives and had to grow up fast. Participating on a regular schedule helped significantly.

Kelly: Which individual exerted the biggest impact on your career?

Reece: I'd identify [the experienced Brazilian] Thiago Silva. He's nearly old enough to be my father and has competed at elite standard for many years. He always tried to assist me from the moment he arrived and still does, presently he is not here [having left Chelsea in that year].

The host: In what way would he help you?

James: These were small pieces of advice away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally see things that I saw differently and try and offer alternative perspectives.

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

The defender: It proved wonderful to see him again. I'm happy that his club did well in the tournament [they were defeated in the penultimate round to eventual winners Chelsea]. It is consistently positive to see him.

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

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

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