Celtic footballer Joe Hart during the Lazio-Celtic Champions League match at the Olympic Stadium. Rome (Italy), November 28th, 2023 (Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
This summer, the former Manchester City and England number one will hang up his boots.
Joe Hart, the goalie for Celtic, has declared his intention to retire at the end of the current campaign.
After an amazing 21-year career, the former England No. 1 has announced that he will hang up his gloves this summer. After joining the Hoops as one of Ange Postecoglou’s first acquisitions in 2021, Hart, 36, has excelled for the team. However, because his deal with the Scottish champions expires in the summer, there has been conjecture over his future.
In order to give Brendan Rodgers time to organize a succession plan, the Manchester City title-winning great has now made the decision to put an end to the rumors. Hart, who has won every major trophy in Scotland and England, met with Jamie Edwards, a mental performance coach and close friend, today to discuss his choice.
“We’re here because I want to get the word out that as of June I’m going to stop playing professional football,” he said on Celtic TV. I have given this some serious thought for some time. Is there ever a right or wrong time? However, the way this club operates, so much love and passion goes into what we do as a football team.
“However, given the club’s overall objectives, its fan base, and the discussions that take place, it’s clear that the goalkeeping position for the upcoming campaign is up for discussion. Thus, in my opinion, it was crucial that, with the club’s approval—I’ve spoken with Brendan and Stevie Woods about this—we spread the word and eliminate one possibility that would have otherwise led to conjecture.
“I will not be returning there in the upcoming season. In order for us to discuss why and go ahead, I wanted to remove it from the discussion.”
Triple winner Hart has participated in all but one of Celtic’s games this season; he was suspended for the 2-1 victory over Motherwell in September. The former star of Burnley, West Ham, and Birmingham has been outstanding for the Glasgow giants lately, and he’s keen to end his career on a good note as Rodgers’ team pursues a domestic double.
“I think my game is in a really good place right now,” he stated. I’ve taken every step I can to ensure that on game day, I’m in the best possible condition and position, and right now, I am.
“I truly believe that on game day, I perform at my best. But I know that time waits for no man, and I don’t want to be retiring because of my physical state. Thus, believing that I could cross the finish line quickly was one of the crucial elements.”
