BEN GODFREY made his Atalanta debut in extraordinary circumstances last night.

The former York City academy graduate completed a Summer transfer to Italian giants Atalanta after a spell in the Premier League with Everton, making the switch across Europe for a fee in the region of £10 million.

Godfrey joined an Atalanta team fresh from lifting the UEFA Europa League, after putting an end to an incredible run of form from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

The 26-year-old, who attended Archbishop Holgate’s School in York, made his City debut after captaining the under-18’s at academy level, featuring for the first-team at just 18-years-old.

He appeared in the Minstermen’s 1-0 home victory over Yeovil Town in 2015, making 12 appearances in his debut season in Sky Bet League Two.

Godfrey’s impressive breakthrough campaign earned the attention of then-Premier League side Norwich City, who acquired his services for an undisclosed fee.

After four years with the Canaries, and a loan spell at Shrewsbury Town, Godfrey earned a move back into the Prem with Everton, where he would become a regular in his first season and even won the Young Player of the Season award.

However, his time with the Toffees soured after injuries saw game time become limited, making the switch to European champions Atalanta.

Godfrey would make his debut for the Nerazzuri against UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.

The winner of the fixture would lift the UEFA Super Cup, with Spanish giants Real Madrid crowned after a 2-0 triumph.

Goals came from Federico Valverde and statement signing Kylian Mbappe, with Godfrey entering the action as a 62nd minute substitution for Davide Zappacosta.

Godfrey managed 17 touches and saw two attempts on goal in his 27 minutes of action, also completing nine out of his attempted ten passes.