Joe Hart has taken off his gloves as a professional goalkeeper for the last time after making his final appearance in a Celtic jersey on Saturday.
Hart played for the 153rd time at the Bhoys in the 1-0 Scottish Cup Final win over Rangers, going out on top with another winners’ medal and a clean sheet.
The veteran shot-stopper won an incredible seven trophies during his three-year stint in Glasgow, capping off a career that took him to the highest levels of success.
Celtic have shared the moment the former England international hung up his gloves for good at Hampden, as well as his final bit of celebration with the thousands of joyous supporters at Hampden.
Hart said [footage embedded below]: “That’s me. The last time professionally I’m taking these bad boys off. What a way to go out.”
Former Celtic hero Jota responded to the same video on Instagram, stating: “Football thanks you! May we meet Again, Legend 🤍”
Celtic have a stiff challenge to replace Joe Hart
Brendan Rodgers and Hart’s teammates have been eager to share how important he has been as a player and a leader in the dressing room to push this squad towards silverware.
It’s going to be quite the task for the club to replace his presence in the summer transfer market. Reports indicate Celtic will actually be looking for two goalkeepers with Benjamin Siegrist also destined to exit.
Getting a quality goalkeeper in the door early on in the summer is going to be the key priority for the recruitment team in this close season.
Rodgers won’t want a shot-stopper coming in cold towards the end of the window. Preparation and familiarity with teammates are crucial.
As we wave goodbye to the superb contribution of Joe, it’s time for another to step between the sticks and make himself a hero with the support. It’s on the club to deliver the right candidate.