Why I Left Man City — Trafford

Former Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford has revealed that a lack of regular playing time affected his mental wellbeing and ultimately forced him to seek a fresh challenge at Leeds United.

The 24-year-old returned to City in July 2025, two years after leaving for Burnley, hoping to establish himself as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper.

However, his prospects were affected by the arrival of Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain less than six weeks later.

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After starting City’s opening three Premier League matches of the campaign, Trafford managed just one additional league appearance in the following 35 games, leaving him frustrated by his limited involvement.

Speaking on Football Daily’s The Football Interview on Saturday, Trafford described the experience of being sidelined as deeply distressing.

“What a horrendous, horrendous feeling. Not playing,” he said.

The goalkeeper explained that he frequently turned to family and friends to cope with the frustration of being unable to play regularly.

“You are ringing a lot of people and just venting. Like most people, you have a [bad] day at work and you ring someone up.

“I ring my dad, I ring my mum, I ring my missus, I ring my mates. I like ringing my mates and we can just have a good talk about it all. It’s quite funny,” he added.

Trafford admitted that regular football had become crucial to both his happiness and career progression, insisting that the prolonged periods on the bench took a toll on him.

“I had to play regularly this season for my own mental wellbeing. You just lose yourself not playing. Maybe I’m different, I don’t know, but the feeling of not playing every week, it felt horrendous.

“I just had to play every week this season for that mental feel-good and to keep progressing with my career and edging me closer to achieving the dreams I want to achieve,” he said.

Despite his struggles for playing time, Trafford insisted that his final season at City was not entirely disappointing, highlighting the valuable lessons and silverware he gained.

He helped the club win the League Cup and FA Cup, starting both finals at Wembley, and believes the experience contributed significantly to his development.

“Looking back, I don’t think it was a disappointing season in the end because I learned so much, I improved so much and I won two trophies in one year,” he said.

“There were moments when I was very down, regretting things and feeling disappointed, but looking back, I’m very thankful for the experience. What an incredible year.”

Now at Leeds United, Trafford is determined to establish himself as a regular starter while pursuing his ambition of becoming England’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“It’s my aim and it’s something I’ve always dreamed of,” he said.

“I always believe that one day I could be. Every day I try to keep improving to put myself in the best position to be England’s number one one day.”