Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Joe Hart has confirmed that he will hang up his gloves at the end of the season, Celtic revealed on their official website.
Hart had a long and storied career in the Premier League, playing for Manchester City, West Ham United and Burnley before joining Spurs on a free transfer in 2020.
The Goalkeeper, who had 75 captain’s cap in his career for England, was notably Hugo Lloris’ understudy for one season at Tottenham.
The goalkeeper left Spurs for Celtic in 2021, and after the transfer he admitted that then Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo pushed him in front of the door and told him point-blank in their first meeting that he was not part of his plans (In The Stiffs Podcast via The Sun).
Hart was brought to Glasgow by Ange Postecoglou, who has had a hugely successful time in Scotland, having been a key part of the club’s historic trio last season.
Joe Hart will retire at the end of the season:
Celtic manager Brendon Rodgers congratulated the former Spurs player on an outstanding career. The 36-year-old Hart has now confirmed that this season will be his last in the professional game.
Rodgers told The Bhoys’ official website: “Joe deserves great praise and congratulations for everything he has done in football, he has been a great asset to Celtic and the wider game at the highest level, both at home and abroad.
“But on top of that, he is also an exceptional person to work with, who I know has been a great teammate to many throughout his career and a player who never gives anything but his all.
“His work ethic is an example to everyone in football every day. I fully understand and respect Joe’s reasons for making this statement and for making it clear to the club and our fans what his future will look like.
“I also know that this season he will continue to work with the same intensity, commitment and enthusiasm for which he has always been known.”
Hart arrived at Tottenham in the twilight of his career and didn’t play much in his only season in the N17s, but he was an exemplary professional and clearly a team man. All the players and managers who worked with the goalkeeper seemed to have a great appreciation of his character.