James Trafford has moved to shut down any suggestion of dressing-room friction at Manchester City following the high-profile arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The 23-year-old was handed the number one shirt after completing a £27million return from Burnley last summer, turning down interest from Newcastle United in the process.
But just three league games into the new season, Man City struck on deadline day to bring in the former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper.
With Donnarumma swiftly installed as first choice, speculation naturally followed.
Trafford, however, insists there is no animosity behind the scenes.
‘A great fella’
“He’s a great fella, he is a lovely man,” Trafford said of the Italian international.
“We both train as hard as we can and try and improve ourselves. Obviously he’s had a great career so far and he’s got great standards.”
Rather than allow the competition to create tension, Trafford says the dynamic has been professional from day one.
“Some people (would) find it tough, some people don’t find it tough,” he added. “I just try as hard as I can and do what I believe I can do.”
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Keep on grafting
Trafford admitted he was surprised by the club’s late move in the transfer window, but has taken the situation in stride.
“I didn’t expect the situation to happen but it happened. I just get on with it. It is what it is, it’s football. You’ve got to keep grafting every day and when the games come, play as hard as you can.”
While Donnarumma has been preferred in the Premier League, Trafford has featured in domestic cup competitions and remains part of Pep Guardiola’s plans, including Man City’s run to the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley.
Unsure about future
Less than a year into a five-year contract, Trafford is refusing to look too far ahead despite uncertainty over his long-term role.
“Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens,” he said. “I’ve obviously got a contract (but) I don’t know what happens next season.”
For now, there may be competition for the gloves at the Etihad – but if Trafford is to be believed, there is no cold war brewing between the posts.
Just two goalkeepers pushing each other, politely.
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