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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Joe Donnelly

'I didn’t ask for it, I didn’t expect it': Joe Hart's glowing appreciation

Joe Hart has hardly shied from praising Celtic over the last several weeks, but it's evident his final game at Celtic Park sits high among his career – and personal – achievements.

Having clinched the league title three days earlier, Celtic hosted St Mirren at Parkhead on Saturday, May 18 and ran out 3-2 winners before being presented with the Scottish Premiership trophy.

During the second half, with Hart now filling the goal nearest the north-east corner of the stadium, a huge tifo was unfurled by the club's unofficial fan group, the Green Brigade, that was emblazoned with 'Super Joe Hart' and a portrait of the player with his fist in the air.

Hart was visibly moved by the touching tribute in the moment, acknowledging the fans and the stadium-wide chants of the goalkeeper's name that followed.

The 37-year-old has now retired, but cherishes that moment – and seemingly will for some time.

"That was one of the greatest days in my professional life," said Hart in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View magazine. "I’ve never felt like that and to have that feeling given to me was indescribable.

"I didn’t ask for it, I didn’t want for it. I didn’t expect it. I was blown away, absolutely blown away."


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Hart has since impressed during his most recent punditry work for ITV during the broadcaster's Euro 24 coverage. He's naturally spoken pretty extensively about England's chances of progressing in the tournament, but likewise hasn't missed an opportunity to big up Celtic and Scottish football.

Speaking to the Celtic View, Hart added: "[The last game at Celtic Park] was comfortably one of the greatest days of my professional life.

"I’m married, I have a family, but even on a personal level it’s one of the greatest days as well."

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