NOW OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED: Celtic confirms Joe Hart’s exit

NOW OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED: Celtic confirms Joe Hart’s exit

Joe Hart on his retirement from Celtic at the age of 37 following his third consecutive Scottish Premiership title win:

“I want to finish strong, in a special place, in a special club… I felt like this was the right moment”

Celtic custodian Joe Hart argued that now is the time to retire from sport, despite demands from Sky Sports analysts to reconsider his decision.

The 37-year-old played his final league game in Celtic’s 3-2 victory over St Mirren before winning the Scottish Premiership trophy with captain Scott McGregor,

and he will most likely play his final match of his career against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final next weekend.

The former England goalkeeper has played more in his three seasons at Celtic Park than in the previous five combined,

but following his penultimate game, he told Sky Sports that he wants to leave on a high note,

with the chance to raise a second trophy in a week next Saturday providing the ideal send-off.

“I got to a point, I had a very good 20s, my football was really good but then I struggled a bit in terms of my place,

” he stated. “Then I received this opportunity, which I couldn’t pass up.

“But I didn’t know how it would turn out; I wanted to commit for three years and offer all.

I reached a moment in my life where I was on the verge of leaving, and then I was given another chance. I don’t want to risk my luck;

I want to finish strong, at a particular spot, with a special club.

“That’s just me; it’s time to step aside and let someone else have some fun. It’s obviously not physical; I’m OK.

“But I felt like this was the ideal time. I felt very uncomfortable knowing but not telling the management or the lads.

I wanted to express it so that everyone understood what I was doing and to make sure

Hart claimed that he originally told goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods about the news after their Scottish Cup triumph over St Mirren in February,

before making it public 11 days later.

He added that telling his colleagues and the Celtic backroom staff had been particularly painful,

bringing an end to a professional career that had spanned over 20 years.

He was definitely moved to tears during Saturday’s match at Celtic Park,

when the home fans unveiled a big Tifo with the words ‘Super, Super Joe’.

McFadden: Hart has retired too early

Speaking ahead of kickoff, former Scotland striker James McFadden said Hart’s decision was premature and that

the custodian could have extended his career at Celtic Park.

He said, “Joe has had a fantastic career. I know some people wonder that you can come in and have an influence as you get older,

but he has contributed his expertise.

“You can tell how much he liked coming back to a major team that was winning trophies; he carried that winning mindset with him.

“He’s also a big character, as evidenced by his performance.

He’s the same on the training field and in the locker room, and he’s probably had a better time than he expected.

“Look at some of the saves he makes, this

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