JOE HART’S three-year Celtic career will end with the shrill of referee Nick Walsh’s whistle to signal the conclusion of the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden a week on Saturday.
The likeable 75 times-capped England international keeper is just 90 minutes away for his last appearance for the champions in a Premiership encounter at Parkhead in two days’ time.
It’s appropriate that Hart will take his final bow in the soccer showpiece in front of a capacity crowd at the national stadium against Philippe Clement’s Ibrox side.
The 37-year-old personality likes doing things in style and he will certainly take the opportunity to say farewell to Celtic and the sport with a flourish.
WE’RE BEHIND YOU…Joe Hart concentrates on the action with the Celtic fans in full voice at Rugby Park.
Hart, seemingly in the twilight of a much-decorated career, joined the Hoops for a cut-price £1million from Spurs in August 2021.
The one-time Manchester City netminder will leave with three Premiership medals, two League Cup honours and a Scottish Cup badge.
Of course, there is every chance his collection could have one more addition when the action comes to an end at Hampden on the iconic date of May 25.
An emotional Hart continued the countdown to his reign in Scotland with a clean sheet in the 5-0 title-clincher against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last night.
He displayed his sheer professionalism yet again in the 88th minute with the team coasting to victory and the fans in full celebratory mode.
IN CONTROL…Joe Hart looks to distribute the ball as Celtic clinch a third successive title.
Liam Polworth broke into a good position on the edge of the box to thump a wicked effort at the Celtic goal.
Hart proved his concentration hadn’t wavered even at that late stage of the confrontation. Quick as a flash, he dived to his left to block the attempt to deny the hosts even a consolation strike.
As the supporters joyously chanted his name in the aftermatch celebrations, the shotstopper, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “I love being with this club. I’ve loved every minute of it.
“We’re here to win trophies. I can’t talk about how much all this means to me and my family.
“It has touched me deep down in my heart.”
Afterwards, as Brendan Rodgers and his triumphant players took a bow in front of the jubilant fans at Celtic Park, Hart added: “I love it, I absolutely love it. It runs through me.
PARADISE IN AYRSHIRE…an emotional Joe Hart as the celebrations continue. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
“You’ve got to enjoy winning. It comes through hard work, it’s not a given so you have to love every moment.”
Addressing the supporters in the midst of their raucous “Joe, Joe, Super Joe” acclaim, Hart added: “Unbelievable. I appreciate every single one of you.
“I love you. Thank you for having me. I’ll never forget this.”
The Celtic fans are hardly likely to overlook the contribution of Joe Hart over the past three years.
And there is the opportunity of one final glorious goodbye before the gloves are put away after the keeper’s two decades in the game.
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