13 hours ago
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Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford played his first minutes for the club since his transfer in their friendly with Palermo
Contrary to cliche, James Trafford did have to think about where he was going to leave Burnley for this summer. The temptation would be to say that once Manchester City come calling the decision is made, but the former City youngster did consider a serious offer from Newcastle.
Eddie Howe's team have been keen on Trafford for more than this window and there was also a complicated goalkeeping situation at the Etihad for the player to wrap his head around. Ultimately though, Trafford decided to come home to the Etihad.
"It’s been mad. I’ve been at the club for about two weeks now and it’s been brilliant getting back in and seeing everyone again, settling back in. It’s been amazing but a mad few months," he said in his first interview with reporters since his £27m move.
"There is obviously a decision to make. I thought City were the best option for my career and I obviously believe in myself. City was the right fit for me and it’s why I chose them.
"I wasn’t surprised when they did [come back in for me]. But I don’t really think too far ahead. When they did, I thought 'OK, sound.'"
Trafford has certainly developed since leaving City two years ago for Turf Moor as a boy - and not just because he now stands at 6ft6. His journey back to the Etihad has not been linear, with tough moments not just at Burnley but previously on loan with Accrington and then Bolton.
He returns to the Etihad with the task of not just replacing Ederson but of being the first City youngster to be bought back by the club and make a success of it. Having already overcome tough challenges in his young career, this is not something the Cumbrian is planning to be fazed by.
"There is pressure in every scenario. It’s something you have to relish," he said.
"There is massive pride playing for City but you don’t really dwell on it because you’re always pushing for more. You’re not guaranteed anything in life so you have to work as hard as you can.
"It is obviously a massively different environment going to Accy as an 18-year-old but it’s just life, isn’t it? You walk into anywhere with 20 lads who are settled is always going to be daunting regardless of the level.
"Lads are lads, they get along. Going anywhere new is daunting no matter what your job is."
Trafford has only returned to City because he didn't allow himself to be daunted by a bruising start to senior football at Accrington, or doubters at Bolton, or a rocky Premier League introduction with Burnley. He has kept his head throughout and walks back through the Etihad door having helped the Clarets back to the top flight with 29 clean sheets and a record low of 14 goals conceded across 46 games.
That form was enough for him to earn a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad, and Guardiola has spoken in the last week about Trafford being one for the national team for the next decade. The same can apply at City, where Ederson's contract expiring next summer makes it look a matter of when rather than if Trafford will establish himself as first choice at the Etihad.
There is work to do, as there will always be, but now he is back 'home' at City the keeper has his eyes set on staying exactly where he is for a long time to help the Blues and England.
"That’s the aim. If I do it, it’s brilliant. I know I have to work every day to achieve that because it’s hard being anywhere for a decade, let alone the best team in the world," he said.
"I’ve been in a lot of different environments, the way they’re playing and where they were in the league. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
"I’ve been dropped, I’ve played, I’ve done well, I’ve got relegated and promoted. I’ve had a lot of experiences and it’s set me up for this moment now."
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