Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford has opened up about his return to the club, admitting that his lack of action 'wasn't what I expected'.
Trafford, who came through the ranks at City, re-joined the club last summer in a £27million switch from Burnley.
The 23-year-old chose City over Newcastle United after being told he would be their first-choice goalkeeper with Ederson leaving for Fenerbahce.
However, Trafford's return to the Etihad has seen him play second-fiddle at the club following Gianluigi Donnarumma arrival on transfer deadline day last summer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Trafford was given a rare start on Saturday in their 2-0 win over League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round.
And speaking post-match, the England international hinted at his disappointment at how his season has gone so far under Pep Guardiola.
'It was nice, it wasn't what I expected coming into the season,' the goalkeeper told BBC Sport when being asked what it was like to play once again.
'I tried to guard against the situation happening but it's the reality and I know every time I play, I have to give it my best shot and try and win and try and improve. It's the current situation I'm in.'
Trafford didn't get carried away too when praised for some saves before half-time.
'We train every day but making saves, it's good fun,' he continued.
As revealed by Daily Mail Sport in December, Trafford was looking to leave City in the January transfer window.
However, the move never materialised as fellow back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega left for Nottingham Forest instead.
Part of Trafford’s discussions with City over the summer centred on the move providing an opportunity to claim the England jersey from Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
However, the Cumbrian’s lack of game-time means his World Cup place is unlikely, with England head coach Thomas Tuchel insistent that members of the squad must be playing regularly.
Donnarumma has played 30 matches for City since joining, with Trafford having had to settle for domestic cup games - plus one Champions League appearance.
Overall Trafford has made 11 appearances in all competitions for City, with all three in the Premier League coming in August.
tazbkosuz
0
Boy sit on the bench and await your chance
Wipbdorsty
0
you can only be a starter at Burnley, certainly not for Man City or Guardiola. don't be this blind young man 😎
Kuriadavid
0
Donnarumma is much better. City can’t put a weaker keeper in the premier league . He should be happy to be reserve . If he wants to be first choice then go somewhere else. Thankfully we got rid of 3 useless keepers that we had .
Nah he is excellent goalkeeper
sirbodmas
1
Donnarumma is much better. City can’t put a weaker keeper in the premier league . He should be happy to be reserve . If he wants to be first choice then go somewhere else. Thankfully we got rid of 3 useless keepers that we had .
So Ederson is also useless goalkeeper ? After all he did while manning the goal post for Man City
wemaekloy
0
uu
nauikmosy
1
Donnarumma is much better. City can’t put a weaker keeper in the premier league . He should be happy to be reserve . If he wants to be first choice then go somewhere else. Thankfully we got rid of 3 useless keepers that we had .
Just see how awful was city before donnaruma arrivals. 🤦🏻♂️
nauikmosy
0
Should have gone to Newcastle would have been starting for England in World Cup now will watch from home!
Trafford is awful. 🌚
Ozilkevin
3
The Media Creating Anomosities in Manchester City again. Trafford is good, but not as Donnarumma. If he is not Satisfied he should leave or Pep will make him. He will never get a Better opportunity of winning TROPHIES than at Manchester City. Trafford patience is a Virtue, be still and enjoy your role. CITY4LIFE
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it's not a matter of winning just trophy it's about players carrier, which player on this earth will always be happy winning trophy without playing
mizacnt
7
Should have gone to Newcastle would have been starting for England in World Cup now will watch from home!
jamdun009
4
The Media Creating Anomosities in Manchester City again. Trafford is good, but not as Donnarumma. If he is not Satisfied he should leave or Pep will make him. He will never get a Better opportunity of winning TROPHIES than at Manchester City. Trafford patience is a Virtue, be still and enjoy your role. CITY4LIFE
Conradfvs
1
Donnarumma is much better. City can’t put a weaker keeper in the premier league . He should be happy to be reserve . If he wants to be first choice then go somewhere else. Thankfully we got rid of 3 useless keepers that we had .