"I was probably one of the worst in the group" - Chelsea superstar reveals he was almost released aged 16

Reece James has revealed he was close to being released by Chelsea as a teenager. The Englishman claims he was one of the worst in his group, but the club took a chance by offering him a contract.

The full-back claims that he grew up as a striker and gradually moved into midfield. However, he started playing as a right-back at 15 and hated it initially.

Reece on target! 👊 https://t.co/2teKLjIdPo

Speaking to England Football, James claimed that he was not fond of the right-back position but grew into it slowly. He said:

"When I was growing up, I was a striker and I idolised Didier Drogba. He played in my team, he played in my position and I always looked up to him. I just wanted to be like him, score like him and celebrate like him. I stopped playing striker around the age of 11 or 12 and moved my way back into midfield. I had three or four years there and then found myself at right back around the age of 15. I hated it for two or three years."

Continuing about his position, James added:

"I didn't like it, and then one day it just clicked, and I started to really enjoy it, around the age of 17. But it did take a lot of getting used to. I ended up staying at Chelsea the whole time once I joined, but there was probably a stage where I was close to getting released around the age of 15 or 16. I was probably one of the worst in the group, and they were unsure of how I was going to develop. They took a gamble on me by giving me a contract, and I had to work hard to prove to people that I can play and achieve what I want to achieve."

Reece James signed a new deal at Chelsea last year

Reece James has become a regular at Chelsea and has committed his future to the club.

From Reece to you! 💬 https://t.co/IAYefrIEi0

The Englishman wants to become the club captain soon and has admitted that it remains his aim at Stamford Bridge.

The new board offered him a six-year contract last year, which was swiftly signed. His new deal sees him remain at the club until 2028.