Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart announced on Thursday that he will be retiring from playing professional football at the end of the current season.
The news didn’t come as much of a surprise to Hoops fans with the Englishman’s deal in Glasgow due to finish at the campaign’s end. Retiring upon the expiration of his Celtic contract seems a wise choice that few can argue with.
Considering his age among many other factors, one can completely understand Hart’s decision to hang up his gloves.
The 36-year-old posted on Instagram to reveal the news. Countless notable names from across the world of football have responded.
Current Man City star Phil Foden hailed Hart as a ‘Legend’, as did Odsonne Edouard. Gary Cahill described the veteran stopper’s career as ‘top’.
Raheem Sterling, who has had spells with Liverpool, City, and now Chelsea, quipped ‘Top class’, with current Sevilla and ex-Spurs winger Erik Lamela saying ‘Congratulations’ and that Hart should be proud of himself after an ‘amazing career’.
A few of Hart’s old England goalkeeping colleagues also reacted. Ben Foster said: “What a man firstly and what an incredible career”, meanwhile Tom Heaton wished him congratulations.
Countless other stars, including former Celts, reacted including John Guidetti, Ismaila Soro, Kasper Schmeichel, Josip Juranovic, and Nick Pope. Hart is a popular figure within the game and when May comes, he will not only be missed by Celtic, but football as a whole.
