Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford has opened up about the emotional toll of his short-lived return to Manchester City, describing the mental frustration of losing his starting spot under Pep Guardiola.
Trafford rejoined City from Burnley in a £27 million deal after a standout campaign and started the club’s opening three Premier League fixtures. However, his dream move quickly unravelled on transfer deadline day when City signed PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, relegating Trafford primarily to domestic cup appearances.
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The England international eventually departed Etihad Stadium to join Leeds United in a package worth up to £45 million. While he collected silverware during his time in Manchester, Trafford admitted he left feeling unwanted and unfulfilled.
Speaking to the BBC, the 24-year-old revealed the heavy mental strain of sitting on the bench.
“What a horrendous, horrendous feeling—not playing,” Trafford said. “You are ringing a lot of people and just venting. Like most people when they have a bad day at work, you ring someone up. I ring my dad, my mum, my missus, and my mates.”
Emphasizing the psychological necessity of consistent match action, Trafford explained why securing a move away was vital for his career progression.
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“I had to play regularly this season for my own mental wellbeing,” he added. “You just lose yourself not playing. Maybe I’m different, I don’t know, but the feeling of not playing every week felt horrendous. I needed that mental feel-good to keep progressing and edging closer to my dreams.”
Despite the difficult spell, Trafford maintains a mature perspective on his period under Guardiola.
“There were moments when I was very down, regretting things and feeling disappointed, but looking back, I’m very thankful for the experience,” Trafford concluded. “What an incredible year.”
