James Trafford expresses gratitude to Manchester City fans as summer exit nears | OneFootball

Manchester City’s James Trafford has said he feels the love from the Manchester City fans and that he resonates with them owing to his northern roots.

The former Burnley goalkeeper helped Pep Guardiola’s side win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the Catalan’s final season at the club despite missing out on the Premier League title by seven points. 

Trafford played a key role in both competitions, keeping seven clean sheets in 12 matches across both cup competitions and earned himself a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

His brilliance throughout the Carabao Cup, where he pulled off a remarkable triple save against Arsenal in the final at Wembley while the scoreline was 0-0, was a huge factor in City lifting their first piece of silverware of the season.

More talent was on show in the FA Cup run, where City reached the final for a fourth consecutive year, an unprecedented feat up to that point before Antoine Semenyo scored the winner 19 minutes from time in the English capital.

Trafford’s influence may not be as attractive as the goals in the glory but being a product of the City Football Academy certainly yielded excitement amongst Blues fans when he returned – and he remarks he feels all the love from the Etihad faithful.

“I do feel the love from the fans and obviously feel great about that,” the Cumbria-born goalkeeper said in an interview for Manchester City’s June magazine.

“I get great love from the City fans – the core kind of support of the club and very normal Mancunians. I believe somehow I maybe resonate with them a bit.

“I’m relatable, calm, honest northern lad and I think they see that. So yeah, I do feel a lot of love, whether it’s on social media, whether I’m seeing them out and about or whether it’s during games. It’s really nice.”

Trafford’s rise to the top and his FIFA World Cup call-up is an indication to his hard work and undeniable maturity despite only being 23 years of age.

Having impressed through the youth ranks at City, Trafford was loaned out to Accrington Stanley and then Bolton Wanderers to find first-team minutes, which have helped his career in the long-term. 

His progress led him to a permanent move to Burnley, where he was exceptional for the club, winning EFL Championship promotion after conceding just 16 goals during a 46-game campaign.

Now, Trafford has to battle with Gianluigi Donnarumma for the number one spot unless he decides to leave the Etihad for more minutes; four weeks ago, it was revealed that Aston Villa joined the fray but the dust seems to be settling in that pursuit.