Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart was the centre of attention last weekend as the Bhoys booked their place in the Scottish Cup final at the expense of Aberdeen.
Following a 3-3 draw in normal and extra time against the Dons, penalties ensued, and Hart was granted an opportunity to put the Bhoys through from the spot with their fifth kick of the shootout.
Nevertheless, his low drive hit the post, leaving the Celtic support in shock regarding a chaotic turn of events.
Fortunately, the footballing gods had to be looking down on the former England international last Saturday, as he saved from Killian Phillips later down the line to ensure his last match in professional football will be a Glasgow Derby, with a chance to win silverware before disappearing into the sunset.
In his time at Celtic, Hart has been a magnificent servant, racking up 147 appearances and 61 clean sheets across the board [Transfermarkt].
Five trophies have also come his way, though he will be keen to extend that tally to seven by claiming a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double this term.
Experience, leadership, and an ability to step up in crunch moments aren’t easy to replicate in the transfer market, and Hart’s presence will most certainly be missed once he retires at Parkhead.
Joe Hart opens up on plans after retirement at Celtic
Retirement comes with a new-found level of freedom, with the gruelling nature of pre-season consigned to the past and a chance to relax on the table instead.
Despite this, for many individuals, itchy feet may become a factor, leading to a step into coaching or punditry, the two main occupations for ex-players to continue their journey in football.
Speaking at ‘An Evening With Joe Hart’ at Parkhead on Sunday night, Hart revealed that he hasn’t taken up his coaching badges; however, he has also revealed talks with Brendan Rodgers and the management staff over ways he can help out at Celtic in the future if they ever need to call upon his expertise.
Hart explained [Cited via The Daily Record]: “I’ve not taken any coaching badges, that was quite a conscious decision.
“I know that coaching and management is ingrained in a lot of people. But for me, it doesn’t necessarily do it for me. I want to help, I want to give back, but there’s different ways that I can do it.
“I’ll always be available to Celtic if they ever need to lean on me for anything, I’ve made the manager and the club aware of that. But coaching a specific team? That’s not something that I’m looking to do.”
Joe Hart will be remebered fondly at Celtic
Undoubtedly, Hart won’t be drawn on his retirement until this season concludes, though it is no secret that he has been lapping up every last moment on the pitch when visible on camera.
Coming north of the border in the twilight of his career, the 37-year-old has immersed himself in Parkhead life, giving everything for the cause while other players his age would’ve taken a final payday elsewhere in a less pressurised enviromnent.
History will be very kind to Hart, who will be keen to experience the fairytale ending his distinguished career always deserved.