Former Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart announces retirement from professional football at the end of the season

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has announced he will hang up his gloves at the end of the current season. The former Manchester City custodian made the announcement via the Scottish club’s official website.

Having joined Celtic back in 2021 after a short spell with Tottenham Hotspur, Hart will retire following the expiration of his three-year deal.

Joe Hart announced his retirement

The 36-year-old’s announcement comes in the middle of a good season for Celtic as they look to defend their league title. In the statement, Joe Hart revealed the decision was on his mind for a while.

“This is something I have thought about for a while. There’s no right or wrong time, is there? But the way this club works is that I’m playing out at the moment. There’s so much on it. There’s so much heart and soul poured into what we’re doing as a football club.”

Hart also expressed his gratitude towards the club and the fans for being open-minded.

“I appreciate the open-mindedness of the club and hopefully the open-mindedness of the fans when they see me and understand that this is not someone who’s checking out; this is someone who’s just letting people know because they think it’s important.”

The veteran goalkeeper concluded by reassuring everyone that he remains committed to Celtic’s objectives until the end of the season.

“I’m so up for it. I’m still so involved and still so committed.”

Joe Hart’s career overview

Joe Hart made his professional debut for Shrewsbury town back in 2003 and spent three years with the club. He was signed by Manchester City for a modest sum of £100,000 in 2006 and went out on multiple loan stints.

However, his loan with Birmingham City in 2009-10 earned him plaudits and he became City’s first-choice ‘keeper the following season. Hart made 348 appearances for the club, keeping 137 clean sheets. He won two Premier League titles, two EFL Cups and one FA Cup with the Cityzens.

Joe Hart also made 75 appearances for England having debuted in 2008, and kept 43 clean sheets for the Three Lions. Now, he has decided to call time on an incredible career.

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