Emotional Joe Hart close to tears on last game at Celtic Park as fans pay tribute with incredible tifo
JOE HART was on the verge of tears as he thanked fans inside Celtic Park during his last league game as a professional footballer.
The former England number, 37, one announced in February that he would be retiring at the end of the season, but has already landed himself a new job with the BBC.
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 18, 2024
"He's a leader"…
A banner honouring Joe Hart was unveiled at half-time in his last game at Celtic Parkpic.twitter.com/0rHxJWwBHb
Hart walked out for the final time at Celtic Park this afternoon as the Hoops saw off St Mirren 3-2.
Before the game Hart was honoured by the fans inside the packed stadium as they cheered him onto the pitch.
And in a classy touch that left Hart emotional, a pocket of the ground displayed a tifo of the goalkeeper during halt-time.
The display showed an image of Hart alongside the words: “Super Joe Hart“.
The tribute left the former Man City and Tottenham shot-stopper looking teary-eyed.
Following Celtic’s victory Hart spoke to the fans inside the ground and thanked them for their unwavering support.
He said: “I’ve never felt, professionally, that special before in my entire life.
“From myself and my family, I absolutely adore every single one of you and everyone associated with this football club.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Joe Hart's career
Shrewsbury, 2002-06, Appearances: 58
Manchester City, 2006-18, Appearances: 348
Tranmere (Loan), 2006, Appearances: 6
Blackpool (Loan), 2007, Appearances: 5
Birmingham (Loan), 2009-10, Appearances: 41
Torino (Loan), 2016-17, Appearances: 37
West Ham (Loan), 2017-18, Appearances: 23
Burnley, 2018-20, Appearances: 24
Tottenham, 2020-21, Appearances: 10
Celtic, 2021-Present, Appearances: 138
England, 2008-17, Appearances: 75
Trophies:
- 2 Premier League titles (2011/12, 2013/14)
- FA Cup (2011)
- 2 Carabao Cups (2014, 2016)
- 3 Scottish Premiership titles (2021/22, 2022/23. 2023/24)
- Scottish Cup (2023)
- 2 Scottish League Cups (2022, 2023)
“It’s such a special place. I was asked yesterday ‘how do you explain this to people?’
“I don’t want to explain this to anyone. This is not a club that needs explaining. This is a club that speaks for itself.
“You guys are absolutely phenomenal. It’s part of you. You make me feel so special and humble.
“Thank you. I absolutely love it. Thank you so much for having me.”
Hart’s career isn’t quite done yet with one final game left to play as a pro.
Celtic face Rangers next weekend in the Scottish Cup final as Hart looks to cement a league and cup double as his swan song in Scotland.
Following that, Hart will hang up his gloves before swapping the pitch for the studio in his first post-retirement role this summer.
The star will be a pundit for the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024.
SUNSPORT'S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Saudi Pro League clubs have made Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker their top targets.
Manchester United eye ‘summer move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins‘.
Arsenal are ‘considering a whopping £60m bid’ for 20-year-old Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.