For his skill as a goalie and his personal attributes, Brendan Rodgers believes that Joe Hart will be much missed at Celtic.
The 37-year-old has decided to retire from professional football after the Scottish Cup final against Rangers at Hampden next week. The Celtic boss paid respect to the former England number one ahead of his final game at Celtic Park.
Replacing Hart in goal and in the Celtic locker room will be an extremely challenging challenge, according to Rodgers, who hopes Hart can further solidify his legacy as a club icon by leading the side to a domestic double.
Rodgers remarked, “He’s been an incredible player throughout his career.”
“His 35 England caps, the numerous clubs he’s played for, and the accolades he’s received.
“I was incredibly excited to work with Joe when I got there. When he arrived here three years ago, I thought it would be a terrific opportunity for him because he hadn’t been playing as much and his career might not have been progressing as he would have liked as it neared the end.
But he’s been rejuvenated by coming here. He’s just a really wonderful man. Despite being 37 years old, he comes in every day hoping to make an impression and be judged as if it were his first time.
“He’s demonstrated true leadership in the locker room alongside Callum (McGregor).” As a captain, Callum has been outstanding, but you also need individuals to push the messages, and Joe has been incredibly effective in that regard.
He’s a good man, as I mentioned, so I know that after he’s done, he’ll look back on this spell and only see it as a major benefit for him. He’ll be greatly missed.
“His supporters admire and love him. They can see he’s a sincere man who has given Celtic his all. Let’s hope we can wrap up his tale in these upcoming games so he may leave Celtic with a successful legacy.
Since he declared his intention to retire, Hart has maybe been playing for the Celtics at his best, but Rodgers hasn’t been tempted to convince the seasoned player to rethink his mind.
“No, I believe the time is right,” he replied.
“I’ve experienced this previously; it included Jamie Carragher. My finest center half was Jamie. Despite his advanced age, he was such a talented player that, during my first season there, he provided the squad with something it had not had before.
It was quite similar to what happened when I brought him into the squad. He was nearing the end of his career and playing out his final year when two center halves came into action in front of him.
But I noticed Carra’s skills every day in training, and when I brought him in, he improved the team.
However, at the end, he was prepared, starting to play his part with Sky, and ending on a really positive note.
“Joe is exactly the same; he will continue to have success in his career outside of what he is doing, but as a player, he is ending in the manner that you would want him to: winning and going out strong.”
