Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has revealed he will retire from professional football at the end of the season.
There was already speculation about the 36-year-old’s future with his contract set to expire in June and Hart said he wanted to make his decision public now so there is no uncertainty about whether he will stay with the Hoops:
“I wanted to get the message out as of June I am going to stop playing football. This is something that I have thought about for a while, there’s no right or wrong time is there?”
“There is obviously a conversation around the goalkeeping position for next season and I think it’s really important that with the blessing of the club we get the message out and it takes one thing out of what people are going to speculate over.”
Supporters on X paid tribute to Hart, who say that he has been a positive influence in the dressing room since his arrival from Tottenham in 2021:
Let’s give him a few cups to leave with. 🍀❤️
— Matt (@LoveLilMe) February 22, 2024
It's the right call on his part what a servant he has been to the club though made many a big save and was a leader when we needed one he leaves the game with a great record at Celtic Fairplay to the big man.
— Josh Ramsay (@JoshRam67453535) February 22, 2024
If the others in the squad had as much passion, pride and understanding what it means to play for the club as Joe does we would be in a much better position
— Camang123 (@angie647) February 22, 2024
I thought he has been very good in recent games. We might have been further behind but for his saves. He really bought into the club. Let's hope he leaves with a hatrick of league medals to take with him.
— Elcano (@Elcano6791) February 22, 2024
Let’s win this league for big Joe 🍀
— Gallusnthat (@glesgablooper) February 22, 2024
We needed Joe Hart in the dressing room at the time more than we needed a keeper and thats saying something. 🍀
— Ryan Mallon (@tashbootlegs) February 22, 2024
Saved our bacon on too many occasions to mention thank you Joe and the very best of luck for the future 👍👍
— Des Thompson (@DesThom05282036) February 22, 2024
The Celtic No.1 has been in good form
Hart has spoken out to say that he still feels “great” physically so it is somewhat surprising that he has opted to announce his retirement now.
The former Manchester City player’s performances in recent months have been excellent, but the Englishman feels it is the right time to bow out when he is still playing well.
Hart’s future needed to be resolved one way or another
There have been plenty of rumours about Celtic signing a replacement for Hart in recent weeks, with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher being heavily linked.
Despite appreciating what Hart has done for the club, most fans feel that a changing of the guard is needed with a younger keeper being brought in.
