Trafford on Carabao Cup win: It’s an amazing, amazing feeling | OneFootball

James Trafford spoke of his delight after playing a vital role in our 2026 Carabao Cup final triumph at Wembley.

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Trafford made a hugely impressive triple save in the first half and a fine stop to deny Riccardo Calafiori’s header after the break before Nico O’Reilly’s double won us the trophy in the 2-0 triumph over Arsenal.

The goalkeeper revealed what the success meant to him as a City player, fan and Academy graduate with a host of family and friends at the national stadium to cheer our No.1 on.

“This moment means a lot to me, to obviously win,” he said.

“Four or five years ago I was third or fourth choice when they beat Spurs. I always imagined I’d win it one day.

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“This is an incredibly good feeling. All my family and friends are here. It’s a long way from North West Cumbria so we had to win!

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“All in about 25 people came, my younger coaches from my Academy days are here too. “It’s an amazing, amazing feeling. The people who are here have been with me throughout it all.

“It’s incredible. My mum and dad are home looking after my nephew.”

On his terrific trio of first half stops as he kept out Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, Trafford admitted they were important in the momentum of the contest.

“Obviously big saves in the moment because it was early on,” he added.

“I can’t quite remember them because it was quite quick.

“I’m just here to play my part. And then Nico scored two, brilliant from him.”