Joe Hart gets honest on retirement and ‘important moments’ still to come at Celtic

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart will hang up his gloves at the end of this campaign following three successful years at Parkhead.

Signed for £1 million back in 2021, the former England international arrived in Glasgow’s east end with a fading reputation amid a series of frustrating spells at the likes of Torino, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Nevertheless, he has gone on to be an influential figure at Celtic, racking up 61 clean sheets in 148 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Five medals have come his way since joining, which Hart will be keen to extend before this season concludes in light of our ongoing battle for a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

With five league matches remaining, Celtic hold a four-point buffer at the summit; however, we know how quick the tide can turn, signifying that there is a long way to go before anything is set in stone.

Regardless, Hart has enjoyed a fantastic career at the top level, and it would be fitting if he could have his happy ending at Parkhead before riding off into the sunset.

Joe Hart sheds further light on his impending retirement

Undoubtedly, Hart will be a sorely missed presence at Celtic due to his experience and leadership qualities between the sticks, though all good things must come to an end at some point.

In an honest interview discussing his decision to retire, the Shrewsbury-born man shed light on why he won’t reconsider his choice; meanwhile, Hart also indicated that his sole focus is on ending this campaign in the best manner possible.

Hart explained [Cited via The Celtic Way]: “I’m probably going to be a strange person for a couple of months, maybe even a couple of years, I don’t know. But I am a Footballer, I am a Celtic player, and that’s all I feel and want to feel right now.

“People have asked me, and friends and family now it’s an important time in my life. But I literally have no opinion on how I feel. I feel the way I’ve always felt. I’ll just keep playing and pushing – and enjoying what I am doing.

“It will be a big miss (playing). But it’s someone else’s turn. I want to leave the place in as good a place as I possibly can. I’ve been lucky to be part of this. I don’t take it for granted. But it’s someone else’s turn.

“I will soak it up – but I’ve always soaked up every moment. Even when I was, say, on the bench at Burnley and West Ham. Those are moments in your life. The most important moments are now – and I have a job to do.”

Joe Hart has been a brilliant servant for Celtic

On the face of it, Hart has given three solid years of service to Celtic after coming in during a time where stability was paramount to building the foundations for success under Ange Postecoglou in the wake of our forgettable 2020/21 campaign.

It is fair to say the Englishman has been an important presence under Rodgers, and without his contribution in key moments, it isn’t worth thinking about where we may be regarding the title race.

Hopefully, Hart can be given a send-off to remember by playing his part in Celtic getting their hands on a league and cup double, which is still within our reach.

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