Soccer

Joe Hart feeling ‘special and humble’ after final league appearance for Celtic

The goalkeeper received a huge ovation from the Parkhead crowd after being taken off late on in the win over St Mirren.

Joe Hart gestures to the fans after being substituted
Joe Hart gestures to the fans after being substituted (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart hailed the most special moment of his career after making his final league appearance.

The 37-year-old received a huge ovation after being taken off in the 87th minute, just after Luis Palma had scored the winner in a 3-2 victory over St Mirren at Parkhead.

A huge banner was unveiled at the start of the second half that declared ‘Super Joe Hart’ as Hart made his final appearance at Celtic Park.

A banner of Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart in the stands
A banner of Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart in the stands (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The 75-times capped England international is now looking to clinch the seventh trophy of his Celtic career when his side take on Rangers in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final next Saturday.

Ahead of Celtic lifting the cinch Premiership trophy, Hart was asked to sum up his emotions.

He told the crowd: “Guys, I have never felt professionally that special before in my entire life.

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart hugs team-mates as he leaves the pitch
Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart hugs team-mates as he leaves the pitch (Andrew Milligan/PA)

“Myself, my family, from the bottom of my heart, I absolutely adore every single one of you, everyone associated with this football club.

“It’s such a special place. I was asked yesterday, how do you explain this to people? I don’t want to explain this to anyone, this is not a club that needs explaining, this is a club that speaks for itself.

“You guys are absolutely phenomenal. It’s part of you, you have made me feel so special and humble.

“I absolutely love it, thank you so much for having me.”