Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart played his final game at Parkhead against St Mirren on an emotional occasion in Glasgow’s east end.
The former England international arrived in 2021 from Tottenham Hotspur and has since become an iconic figure between the sticks, winning three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup.
It is fair to say that despite having an opportunity in the last game of his professional career to pick up silverware at Hampden against Rangers next weekend, Hart will remember the events he witnessed yesterday for the rest of his life.
Once the players came out for the second half, the Green Brigade unveiled a stunning display that read ‘Super Joe Hart’, paying homage to his profound impact under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.
Eventually being substituted for Scott Bain in the 88th minute, Parkhead rose as one to applaud Hart off the pitch in some emotional scenes that pulled on the heartstrings of the Celtic support.
Fittingly, he also lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy alongside Callum McGregor, capping a perfect day for everyone involved as his fairytale ending continues.
Joe Hart takes to Instagram in emotional post about yesterday
Taking to Instagram, Hart has penned an emotional post to Celtic supporters, claiming that yesterday was one of the crowning moments of his professional career that still has him left ‘speechless’ 24 hours later.
Pictured holding the Green Brigade microphone alongside adding a selection of other pictures, his reply on the social media platform read the following:
‘@celticfc family …. I honestly don’t know where to start . I thought if I gave it a day I would be able to find some words to describe how I you made me feel yesterday , but I’m sat here and I’m still speechless . All I can say is that that is one my greatest ever days as a professional, I’m truly honoured and humbled with the send off you gave me at your beautiful home . Please know that the love and passion I have for the football club will be with me and my family forever and i will return as a supporter one day soon . But for now… we have business to take care of and a huge week ahead … so thank you again and let’s get down to business.’
Joe Hart will be sorely missed by Celtic once he retires
Very few players have walked through the Parkhead entrance and got Celtic quite like Hart has during his time in Glasgow.
His leadership, pivotal saves and clear passion for the club have been an absolute joy to watch as a fan, culminating in the former Manchester City man enjoying a career conclusion that will be remembered for years to come.
Sometimes, it still feels surreal Hart has been here for three years, given his status as one of the great goalkeepers of the 2010s.
Nevertheless, he has immersed himself in the club, building an unbreakable rapport with the supporters and cementing his iconic status, something that history will remember very fondly.