Man City Premier League winner announces retirement after starring for England and Celtic

Former Manchester City favourite Joe Hart is set to retire at the end of the season after 20 years as a professional. 

In an emotional video with his current club Celtic, the ex-Etihad captain announced he will be hanging his boots when his contract expires in June.

Hart, 36, said: “There is no right or wrong time. I am aware that time waits for no man, and I didn’t want my body to be retiring me and I feel I can smash through the finish line here. I think the right time is now. I have the clarity of mind to go to the club and explain my decisions and I felt the time was right for me.”

In all, he amassed 348 appearances during 12 years at City, acting as a key part in the early foundations towards Premier League success under Sheikh Mansour. 

On the back of several loan spells he was chosen as City’s number one in 2009, following Shay Given’s move to Aston Villa. He played an integral role in the club’s first Premier League title in the unforgettable 2011/12 season - keeping 17 clean sheets in 38 games. 

Hart’s three golden gloves during his time is still a record in which he amassed 127 clean sheets. The goalkeeper eventually left City in 2018 and is fondly remembered after collecting two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup between 2011 and 2016. 

He also won 75 caps for England including appearances at three major tournaments including 2012 European Championships and the 2010 and 2014 World Cup. Hart's career stalled at Burnley and Tottenham before rebounding with Celtic in 2021, playing a key role as Glasgow giants won two successive league titles. 

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said on the club’s website: “Joe has enjoyed a phenomenal career and I know will be a huge miss to the game when he retires. But more than that, he is a tremendous man, just brilliant to work with, someone who I know has been a great team-mate to so many throughout his career.”

Hart’s final game will be at home to St Mirren on April 13.