James Trafford has told a BBC interview program that being unable to get playing time at Manchester City last season made him feel "terrible." This summer, he moved to Leeds United in search of first-team football.
In July 2025, Manchester City re-signed academy product James Trafford. Two years earlier, he had left Manchester City to join Burnley.
However, less than six weeks after James Trafford returned, Italy goalkeeper Donnarumma joined from Paris Saint-Germain. The 26-year-old had just helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League and immediately became Manchester City's first-choice goalkeeper, which made it difficult for James Trafford to get games.
James Trafford started the first three games of that season, but in the 35 games after Donnarumma arrived, he made only one more Premier League start.
In an interview with "The Football Interview," James Trafford looked back on his struggle for playing time under Guardiola last season.
James Trafford said: "It felt terrible, absolutely terrible. Just not being able to play.
"You call a lot of people to vent your frustrations. Like most people, when you have a bad day at work, you call someone to talk about it.
"I would call my dad, my mum, my girlfriend and my friends. I like calling my friends; we can really talk it all through. It's actually quite interesting.
"For my mental health, I have to play regularly this season. If you keep not playing, you gradually lose yourself.
"Maybe I'm different from others, I don't know, but the feeling of not playing every week is just awful.
"To stay in a good frame of mind, keep my career moving forward and get closer to my dreams step by step, I must play every week this season."
Despite his limited playing time, James Trafford believes his final season at Manchester City was still very rewarding. He started in the League Cup and FA Cup finals, both held at Wembley Stadium, and helped the team win both trophies.
He added: "At the start of every season, I always have the highest expectations and always believe things will turn out for the best.
"Unfortunately, we couldn't win all four trophies. The season didn't go as I expected, but these things happen.
"At the time, I just tried to get as much as I could out of it. Looking back now, I don't think it was a disappointing season in the end, because I learned so much, made great progress and won two trophies in one year.
"There were times when I was very down, regretted some things and felt disappointed. But looking back now, I am very grateful for the experience. It was truly an incredible year."
"My goal is to become England's number one goalkeeper"
James Trafford was included in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Although he did not play, he said that being part of Thomas Tuchel's squad was an "incredible experience" that he will never forget.
James Trafford said: "I didn't play, but that's how it is. When I got the call-up, I didn't expect to play. I knew my role, and all you can do is gain as much experience as possible, learn from it and keep working to improve every day, because the more progress you make each day, the better position you'll be in."
However, James Trafford hopes to be England's starting goalkeeper at the next major tournament. He believes this goal is entirely achievable if he continues to perform well for Leeds United.
He said: "This is my goal, and it has always been my dream.
"I always believe that one day I can do it. Every day I strive to keep improving so that I have the chance to become England's number one goalkeeper in the future.
"I think every goalkeeper in the England squad wants to be number one, because it's a very desirable position."
Yeablnrtz
1
Come back please
resabekpst
1
I personally believe that he will replace Raya at Arsenal in the near future.