Joe Hart became an unlikely hero at Celtic.
He arrived under a cloud, considering calling time on his career. But in the end, he became one of the main figures of Ange Postecoglou’s successful side.
A decorated goalkeeper with 75 caps for England, he came to Glasgow with pedigree – but many in the football world had written him off,
He proved the doubters wrong over his three-year spell at Parkhead, and is firmly one of the most well-liked Celtic figures of the last decade.
Speaking on his new podcast, he reflected on his decision to sign, and what he quickly learned about life at Celtic.
Joe Hart on learning the culture at Celtic
Players often talk about the unique nature of playing in Glasgow, and how nothing can prepare you for it.
Hart learned this first-hand.
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Speaking on The Mixer podcast, Hart was discussing his career, before being asked about his time in Glasgow.
“Amazing,” Hart said.
“It was it was asked whether I was ready, and I didn’t really give an answer because I didn’t know. I thought, ‘there’s no point in me answering.
“’There’s no point in me having a preconception of this, because I don’t know about you.
“Anyone I’ve spoke to about Celtic, particularly – or you know there’s obviously two clubs in that city – but I can’t talk for them. That’s not my business.
“I’m not going to get involved in that business. I learned that very quick in Glasgow, that it’s a great place to be. Don’t step out of line. Don’t step out of line.
“If you if you don’t step out of line, which I didn’t, beautiful place to be.
“People let you know where their allegiances are, and you have to, kind of, sift your way through the language and not take offence to it.
“Because it’s not often meant in offence, but yeah, getting back to it, like anyone who I’ve asked or spoke to about the situation, they said ‘I can’t explain it.’
“So I thought, ‘if you can’t explain it, I’ve just got to go and experience it. And it was everything I needed, everything I wanted from the latter end of my career – to make me be able to do three years later just calmly take my gloves off and get myself off.
“It was everything for me. I loved it as a club. I loved it as the intensity, the pressure, the expectation, the drama. Nothing was simple. And that’s exactly how I like it.”
Joe Hart on not ‘taking offence’ at Celtic
Joe Hart’s Celtic career
Fans may remember when Hart made a crucial save on his debut and received a raucous applause from the crowd. From then on, he was a fan favourite.
Postecoglou guided an unfancied Celtic team a League and League Cup double in his first season, and Hart was a central figure throughout.
They went on to win a treble in his second season, competing in the Champions League for the first time in five years. Brendan Rodgers replaced Postecoglou when he left for Tottenham.
In what would be his final year playing, Hart took a penalty in the Scottish Cup semi-final shootout and missed – but the team recovered to bail him out.
In the end, his farewell was an emotional one, and he has since talked Celtic up as a pundit.
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