Manchester City goalkeeping legend Joe Hart announces retirement

Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart has announced plans to retire from football at the end of the current season.

The 36-year-old spent 12 years at Manchester City and was part of the team that won the club’s first Premier League title in 2012.

Hart made 348 appearances for Manchester City before completing a permanent exit in 2018, with the Englishman making his final appearance for the club in August 2016 against Steaua Bucharest in the UEFA Champions League.

The goalkeeper made his debut for Manchester City in 2006 against Sheffield United and went on to enjoy an incredible career at the Etihad Stadium and receive 75 England caps.

Hart joined the Blues in 2006 from Shrewsbury for a fee of only £600,000 and became number one under the management of Roberto Mancini, following a series of loan spells at Blackpool, Tranmere and Birmingham City.

The Englishman is the only goalkeeper to win four Premier League Golden Glove awards and won four trophies at Manchester City – two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Hart enjoyed a number of incredible career moments, and played his final Premier League match for City in 2016 against Swansea City.

The goalkeeper has been with Scottish Premiership side Celtic since 2021 but has announced retirement from football at the end of the current campaign.

A statement by Celtic FC said: “Celtic Football Club today shares some news from our goalkeeper Joe Hart as he announces that he will be retiring from playing football at the end of this season.

“Joe has recently informed the club of his decision and he wanted to sit down with his close friend and his mental performance coach, Jamie Edwards, who he has worked with for a number of years, to outline his decision to supporters.

“Everyone at Celtic would like to thank Joe sincerely for his fantastic and ongoing contribution to the Club.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “Joe has enjoyed a phenomenal career and I know will be huge miss to the game when he finally retires from playing football in the summer.

“For all he has done in football, Joe deserves huge praise and congratulations, he has been such a brilliant asset to Celtic of course and the wider game at the highest levels, domestically and internationally.”