James Trafford lifts the Carabao Cup at Wembley (Image: PA)
James Trafford lifts the Carabao Cup at Wembley (Image: PA)
Former Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford hailed an “incredibly good feeling” after helping Manchester City beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Trafford made a crucial triple save at 0-0 before Pep Guardiola’s side went on to take control of the tie through Nico O’Reilly’s quickfire double.
“They are obviously big saves in the moment because it was quite early on, but I can’t really remember them because it was quite kick. I am just here to play my part in it and then Nics scored two, brilliant from him,” he told Sky Sports .
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“This moment means a lot to me, to obviously win. Four or five years ago I was third or fourth choice when we beat Spurs and I always imagined that I would win it one day.
“It’s an incredibly good feeling because all my family and friends are all here. It’s a long way from North West Cumbria so we had to win!”
It hasn’t been the easiest season for the 23-year-old, who returned to City last summer after helping the Clarets win promotion from the Championship.
Trafford had hoped to be their number one goalkeeper in the Premier League but the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma forced him down the pecking order.
“It means a lot to have (Guardiola’s) faith and it is testament to how I believe in myself through how I’ve acted in training and when I’ve been brought into the cup games. Every time I play, I just give it my best shot and try to win,” the shot stopper added.
“I make no illusions, it hasn’t been easy at all. It has been really, really tough at times but I have got an incredible set of people around me and the lads are brilliant, the coaches are brilliant.
“It shows how good the people are around me because they have kept me going and given me little goals. It is down to them.”