Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has been the topic of much discussion over the last few days following his announcement that he will retire at the end of the campaign.
The 36-year-old has decided to call time on a fantastic career, which has seen messages of congratulations from famous faces such as Raheem Sterling, Kasper Schmeichel and Gael Clichy.
Explaining his decision to hang up the gloves, Hart has disclosed that he wants to end on a high note rather than play on and be a victim of age-based decline
He stated: “I really do feel like come gameday, I really do peak. But I’m aware that time waits for no man, and I don’t want my body to be retiring me. So that was one of the key factors, thinking that I can smash through the finishing line.”
His contribution at Celtic will be fondly remembered. At the time of writing, the 75-time England international has made 138 appearances in green and white, keeping 38 clean sheets [Transfermarkt].
Now, into the final stretch of his spell in Glasgow, Brendan Rodgers is undoubtedly keen to help the veteran end his playing days with a bang, with the prospect of a domestic double there to play for between now and the end of the season.
Celtic’s Joe Hart earns praise from Sean Dyche amid retirement
Everton boss Sean Dyche previously worked with Hart at Burnley and offered the Hoops stopper a fitting appraisal as he gets set to move on to new pastures.
The Kettering-born man signalled that his old colleague has enjoyed an ‘amazing career’, though he also indicated his surprise that he will now retire.
Dyche stated [Everton FC YouTube]: “I am sure there will be a lot of thoughts from a lot of people who might have had very good experiences with him.
“He is a really good professional, good guy as well and he adapted to everything we asked of him at Burnley. I think he has had an amazing career, and I am surprised that he is leaving.
“From what I know, I do not keep up endlessly with Scottish football; I think he has done well there; he has enjoyed his time there.
“He obviously felt that it was right. So, whatever comes for him next, I wish him well.”
Hart possesses an infectious determination to succeed, and it is no surprise that former managers such as Dyche share the same view, even if his spell at Turf Moor wasn’t a rip-roaring success.
Working hard in training and on matchday goes a long way, which has led him to a stage where he can have the ending his career deserves at Celtic.
Hopefully, we can give him a send-off that is befitting of his impact in the wider game, starting with tomorrow’s clash against Motherwell at Fir Park.
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