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This Sports Conversation represents a new series where leading personalities from athletics and show business join presenter the interviewer for candid and detailed discussions about the beautiful game.

We'll explore mental approach and drive, discussing pivotal experiences, professional achievements and individual insights. The Football Interview uncovers the person behind the player.

Reece James started practicing with the London club at six years old and - after developing through the youth system and into the senior squad - is now team leader.

James announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in impressive fashion, scoring on his first appearance in a comprehensive win over the opposition in September 2019.

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

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

James sat down with the interviewer to discuss his professional peaks, the Brazilian's impact, and his relationship with seven-time F1 world champion the racing driver.

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

The athlete: The name is Reece James, I grew up in the area, near Richmond - I expect more people will know that area. My beverage is a flat white.

Kelly: Has it always been a flat white?

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

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

Reece: I mean, from childhood, it's kind of my entire focus in school. I wasn't the most academic student, and I just loved playing football.

Kelly: Your first recollection of playing? Is this difficult to answer because it represented a big part of your early years and development?

James: Not particularly, just because my recollection is so bad. My first remembrance was likely, I don't know, going to watch my brother compete. He is two years older than me, and he also participated as well.

Kelly: It was significant in your household, correct, because your father was deeply engaged? He's a soccer trainer too, right? Tell me a bit about that.

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

Kelly: Can you recall many of those sessions? Because I read that starting from the four years old, you were outside and he was doing drills with you in the back garden.

Reece: Yeah, I remember - the drills began early. Fortunately, they proved beneficial for myself and my sister [the club and national team attacker his sister].

Kelly: Talk to me about your first ever team that you played for as a youngster, what was it called, and what can you remember?

Reece: I don't remember much, to be honest. That was Kew Park Rangers in Kew. I believe I was there for about a year. It was from there that talent spotters noticed me for the professional club.

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

James: I started off as a forward, and then eventually transitioned to the wing, left side, right wing, and later to central positions, and then eventually at defensive role, and I hated it at that period.

Kelly: Why did you hate it?

The athlete: Since I always wanted to play midfield. There was less involvement with the football as much but eventually it just clicked and I became a right-back since.

Kelly: You said you started as an attacker - who served as your role model?

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

The host: Identify a turning point in your professional life - an experience that has shaped you and the player you have evolved into?

The defender: I'd likely identify going on loan. Transitioning between academy and senior level is most challenging and that is probably what many athletes transitioning upwards find difficult.

Kelly: You're talking about Wigan, naturally. Why was Wigan the ideal team for you at the time? The location was distant from all you knew in London - what made it successful so well?

James: The primary factor is that I played week in week out, which helps. I acquired valuable exposure - I relocated from my companions and family and was forced to grow up fast. Participating on a regular schedule assisted a lot.

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

The athlete: I'd identify [Brazil defender] Thiago Silva. He is almost sufficiently experienced to be my father and has played at the highest level for so long. He always tried to assist me from the moment he arrived and continues to, even now he is not here [after leaving the club in 2024].

Kelly: In what way would he help you?

James: These were small pieces of advice off the pitch. During matches, he occasionally observe situations that I perceived differently and try and offer alternative perspectives.

Kelly: It must have been pleasant to see him this summer [at the Club World Cup]?

Reece: It was great to see him again. I'm pleased that his team performed admirably in the competition [they were defeated in the penultimate round to eventual winners Chelsea]. It's always good to see him.

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

Reece: If the outcome is remains the identical - I'd select the Champions League [final].

Kelly: Other than victory, what was so special about that night