Trafford: I always believe I will return to Manchester City, and the goalkeeper is sometimes as lonely as a farmer

September 3rd News Manchester City signed goalkeeper Trafford from Burnley this summer, with a transfer fee of 31.2 million euros. In an interview with the club's official media, Trafford talked about the impact of his childhood farm life on himself and his experience as a goalkeeper.

Traford learned to drive tractors since he was a child, and he also had to take care of the lambs and clean the animal fences.

He said: "I remember one time I was with my dad and I fell off the silage, and my mom and my sister were by the pond. It was very steep and you won't forget this experience. I still remember that during the harvest season, I was with the little lambs and played haystacks and things like that.

"I also often play in the garden or yard of the farmhouse and play football against the shed, but my dad gets angry because I disturbed the cows, and there are many things like this. On Christmas Day, I couldn’t get the gifts off until 11 a.m. because my father had to do farm work, feed livestock, and so on! ”

What did childhood in the fields bring to you? Will it help your player career?

"You will draw strength from difficult times, and when it rains heavily outside, you really don't want to go out, but every farmer knows that you have to work without any storm and rain, day after day. This kind of growth experience, especially witnessing my parents' hard work, has always been with me.

"Like farming, being a goalkeeper can be lonely at times. But on the court, it's a great position because you have that sense of importance and try to keep everything in order. I'm not quite sure how much those experiences have impacted me, you can think deeply about this, but I don't really want to. The farm is home to me, and I'll go back and see my family and friends.

" However, I have no interest in running a family farm after retirement! When I get home, I will challenge my dad to see who can push the bale the farthest, that's all! ”

Trafford admitted that his childhood was a little different from other children who dreamed of becoming professional players. When those children’s dreams appeared in 442 or Match Day magazine, he said that one of the most proud moments he had when he was a child was seeing his own photos in Farmers Weekly.

As for the role on the court, Trafford was initially an outfield player and later tried to be a goalkeeper, which could be said to have changed his fate.

"When he was a kid, my dad always kept my gloves in my mom's car in case I had to be a goalkeeper. Fortunately, once I said 'Okay, I'll go guard the goal' and I stayed in the goal. Being a goalkeeper is hard, you are the only one wearing a different color jersey, and that alone makes you unique. "

Traford joined Manchester City at the age of 12, and he stayed here for eight years. After several loan experiences, Trafford transferred to Burnley in 2023.

"The loan experience means a lot to me. I have always wanted to participate in more games and accumulate experience, which has brought me countless memories and made great progress. I have always believed that I would return to Manchester City. I had the opportunity to join Burnley two years ago, and at the time I thought that was the right choice. But I always believe that one day I will come back here and work tirelessly for it.

"It was a brilliant moment for me. Playing for the team has been one of my goals since I joined Manchester City at the age of 12. I know my path will be different, but I also know that only I can achieve this goal. I have always believed that I can usher in this moment, and now my dreams come true, I need to keep working hard."

When I returned to Manchester City, the No. 1 jersey was vacant, and Trafford chose this number. The last one wearing this jersey was a legendary goalkeeper from Manchester City.

"I like this number very much, but it's just a number. The last one wearing this number was Joe Hart, who has a very successful career, he's an inspiring person, and we're in touch. I'll send him a picture of this jersey and thank him!"

Now, Trafford is starting his second season in the Premier League, and he hopes to start this better than last time.

"My first touch in the Premier League was to pick up the ball from Haaland's feet! Now I'm a few years old and have accumulated more experience. Whether as a player or an individual, I am much better than before. I won't think too far, I just want to do my best to work and improve every day, and then see where I can go."

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