Celtic will need to start preparing for the future after veteran goalkeeper Joe Hart confirmed he is retiring at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old has gone on to win five trophies in his time at Parkhead and could still add another two medals to his collection if the Bhoys succeed in their efforts to win a domestic double.
Brendan Rodgers has paid tribute to his exemplary professionalism throughout what has become an illustrious career path for the ex-England international
He told official club channels: “He is a tremendous man, just brilliant to work with. Someone who I know has been a great team-mate to so many throughout his career and a player who never gives anything but his absolute best. Each and every day his work ethic is an example to all in football.”
Delving further into the situation, the Irishman has also touched on the futures of Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist, signalling that both may leave Parkhead this summer in search of a new challenge [Sky Sports].
Either way, Celtic now have a big challenge on their hands to replace Hart, who has become a much-loved presence in Glasgow due to his infectious personality and winning mentality.
Joe Hart opens up on difficulties before arriving at Celtic
One of Hart’s most endearing qualities is his humble nature, which is strange considering he has won three Premier League titles and ranked among the best goalkeepers in the world during the 2010s.
Nevertheless, he didn’t enjoy an easy time of things before arriving at Parkhead, with frustrating spells at Torino, West Ham United, Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur leading many to question his character.
Nearly three years later, he has proved many doubters wrong, though he has opened up about his experiences in the last few years, as he told Celtic TV: “There was a natural three-year cycle that I had here. Previous to coming up here, I was a little bit lost in the footballing world.
“I still felt that I had my ability, but, and this is not a complaint, that’s how the football world works. Sometimes, if you don’t have a place, especially as a goalkeeper, I didn’t quite fit, it wasn’t quite sticking how I wanted it to.
“I got an opportunity to come up here; I spoke with Ange and the club. I put a few things that I’d love to happen if I was given the opportunity, to which they were open to.
“Obviously, I had to keep my end of the bargain by performing and being embraced by such a huge, amazing club.
Hart later added on nis retirement: “I’ll be 37 at the end of this season, what direction the club wants to go into, whether I fitted into that I wasn’t too sure- we didn’t even have that conversation. I certainly wasn’t interested in going and trying to play anywhere else, so it felt right.”
Celtic have a big decision to make on their next goalkeeper
Granted, there are better goalkeepers across the globe than Hart that may be available come the summer, though his leadership and willingness to succeed embody values that will be hard to replace.
His arrival at Parkhead came off the back of a low point in the Hoops’ recent history, where supporters cried out for stability amid the backdrop of their rivals claiming the league title.
Hart played a key role in helping to turn the tide during a difficult period at Parkhead, and whoever steps into his shoes has to be an individual who can be relied upon to produce in the big moments.
Rodgers and company have a big decision to make on who can be trusted to follow his lead heading into next season.
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