The custodian does not have second thoughts about hanging up the gloves.
This was a fitting way for Joe Hart to end his remarkable career.
The 37-year-old has already retired, with his final act being to help Celtic defeat Rangers to win the Scottish Cup. Hart has 75 England caps, 549 senior appearances, and a prize haul that many goalkeepers would envy. Seven of them came during his three-season spell at Celtic. He hangs up his gloves, his head held high.
“I’m all drained out,” admitted Hart. “I’m just happy that we won. I know it’s the end of my career but my focus was on this game and it’s so important to the club to keep winning. To double up the title with the Scottish Cup is a special feeling.”
Amid all the emotion, Hart was asked if he has second thoughts. “I haven’t,” he replied. “It’s not an emotional decision, I made it earlier in the season because it just felt the right time. Physically it wasn’t a question but it felt the right time as a family …
“I’m comfy with it and it’s someone else’s turn. There’s nobody else I’d want to play for on the planet other than this club. When I realised it wasn’t going to be the case in terms of going back home and get on with life, from that point of view it was the right decision.”
There was one heart-stopping moment for Hart, however. Farewells are seldom uncomplicated. On 59 minutes, with the score tied at 0-0, James Tavernier whipped in a corner, Hart attempted to punch the ball but failed, and Abdallah Sima tapped home, seemingly putting Rangers ahead. The custodian felt a nudge in his back while heading for the ball, but he wasn’t sure who had done it.
“Your heart is always in your mouth because I didn’t know who pushed me,” he said. “I felt set for the cross and as soon as I got ready to deal with it someone pushed me. I didn’t think someone in my team would do that. I was confident someone pushed me, it was just whether it was a Celtic or Rangers player.”
VAR saved the day for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin. The rest is history, with Adam Idah scoring on 89 minutes to seal a gritty final.
Not that the aesthetics worry Hart. He signs off, having had the time of his life at Celtic Park. “I came here to win, this club wants to win and so do I,” he stated. “I will have to break free from that strange way of thinking and living. Finally, I just feel love, respect, and a lot of enthusiasm for this location.
“It’s ingrained in the walls and the people who come to support us. That fanbase is superb. It doesn’t just turn up and cheer and sing. It expects when you play with passion and with desire to work for the badge they get behind you. When we’re together as one it’s hard to stop.
“This place has made me feel so special. The manager, players know it’s coming to an end for me but those boys have made me feel so special. They have made an old boy happy and I’ll be forever grateful. Of course I will miss Celtic. It goes without saying. But I will have to wait for that crash and comedown.
“I’m an emotional guy. I play with my heart on my sleeve. I’m probably more emotional when I’m happy, not so much when I’m sad. I shed a tear at the final whistle, pure joy, sheer happiness and very proud.”
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