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The Football Interview represents a new series in which leading personalities from sports and show business participate with host the interviewer for candid and detailed dialogues about the beautiful game.

The program examines mindset and motivation, discussing defining moments, professional achievements and personal reflections. This series uncovers the person beyond the athlete.

Reece James started practicing with Chelsea at the age of six and - after developing through the youth system and into the senior squad - is now team leader.

The defender introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, scoring on his first appearance in a 7-1 victory over Grimsby Town in September 2019.

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

However, his journey hasn't been without challenges, with a series of injuries affecting him over the past four seasons.

James sat down with the interviewer to talk about his career highs, the Brazilian's impact, and his friendship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

The interviewer: First question: name, your origins, and your preferred coffee?

Reece James: The name is Reece James, I was raised in the area, near Richmond - I'm sure many will know that area. My coffee is a flat white.

Kelly: Was it consistently a flat white?

Reece: No, I began with, such as, flavored coffees and stuff.

The presenter: Let's start by discussing soccer. What significance does soccer hold to you?

The defender: I mean, from a little kid, it's kind of my entire focus in education. I wasn't exactly the brightest kid, and I simply adored the sport.

The interviewer: What's your earliest memory of participating? Is this tough to respond to because it was such a significant aspect of your childhood and growing up?

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

The host: It was significant in your family, wasn't it, because your father was deeply engaged? He's a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a little about that.

The athlete: Well we were three of us during childhood. It was completely soccer-obsessed, and he naturally was a coach as well, and we frequently practiced extensively with him.

The presenter: Do you remember a lot of those sessions? Because I learned that starting from the age of four, you were outside and he conducted drills with you in the back garden.

James: Yes, I remember - the drills began early. Fortunately, they paid off for myself and my sister [the club and national team attacker Lauren James].

The interviewer: Talk to me about your initial club that you represented as a child, what was it called, and your memories?

The defender: My recollection is limited, to be honest. That was Kew Park Rangers in the area. I believe I played for about twelve months. From that point that I was scouted for Chelsea.

The host: And you weren't a backline player at initially, correct? Explain about your positional journey and how that changed...

Reece: I began as a striker, and then subsequently transitioned to wide positions, left side, right side, and later to central positions, and then finally at defensive role, and I hated it at that period.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Because I consistently desired to occupy central positions. There was less involvement with the football as much but one day it just clicked and I've been a defender since.

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

Reece: The player I admired was [the legendary] Drogba. I grew up as a supporter growing up and he represented the athlete I looked up to.

The host: Can you think of a pivotal moment in your professional life - an experience that has influenced your development and the player you have become?

Reece: I'd likely identify going on loan. Transitioning between academy and first-team football is most challenging and this represents probably what most players transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're referring to Wigan, naturally. What made did Wigan become the right club for you at the time? The location was distant from all you knew in the capital - what made it successful so effectively?

James: The primary factor is that I played consistently, which helps. I gained valuable exposure - I relocated from my companions and family and had to mature quickly. Participating on a consistent basis helped a lot.

The interviewer: Who has had the biggest impact on your professional journey?

The athlete: I would say [Brazil defender] Thiago Silva. He's nearly old enough to be my father and has competed at the highest level for many years. He consistently attempted to assist me from the minute he arrived and continues to, presently he is not here [having left Chelsea in that year].

Kelly: In what way would he help you?

James: It was little messages away from games. On the pitch, he occasionally observe situations that I perceived differently and attempt and paint a different picture.

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

Reece: It was wonderful to reconnect with him. I'm happy that his team did well in the competition [they were defeated in the semi-finals to eventual winners Chelsea]. It's consistently positive to see him.

The interviewer: Were you able to go back and experience again one match in your career, which would you pick?

James: If the outcome is remains the identical - it would be the Champions League [final].

Kelly: Other than victory, what was so special about the occasion