Joe Hart’s kids will never forget their dad’s last ever league match.
Nineteen years after it all started at Shrewsbury the former England ‘keeper was bowing out at the very top, as a league winner in front of 60,000 fans at the place that has become his adopted home over the last three years.
Hart’s achievements are legendary with a clean sweep of honours in Scotland and England to go alongside 75 international caps and memories that he will never tire of recounting.
The last week has been especially emotional for him, as Celtic clinched the SPFL title on Wednesday it was the goalkeeper wearing the captain’s armband then leading the celebrations in front of 3,800 fans in the Chadwick Stand.
Friday’s interview with Celtic TV was both an eye-opener and tear-jerker, it wasn’t the usual football talk as Hart opened up on the enormity of his decision to retire, unlike politicians he does genuinely want to spend more time with his family.
Callum McGregor led the Celtic side out for the match against St Mirren but behind him his trusted ‘keeper had his son and daughter with him, looking around to see the adulation that Dad was experiencing for the final time.
Wholesomeness abounds in this clip, as an emotional Joe Hart hugs his kids after today’s Celtic – St. Mirren game.
Not only is he a Super Goalie – but also a Super Dad !!! pic.twitter.com/KWtSDXNYp2
— The Fast Lovin’ Sin-Soaked Heathen (@fast_sin) May 18, 2024
It wasn’t quite business as usual during the first half as Mark O’Hara scored twice for the visitors but thankfully Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi were on target at the other end of the pitch to send the sides in level at half time.
As the players came out for the second half a huge Tifo had been unfurled in recognition of Hart, his reaction told you that the respect and admiration was mutual.
After taking that sight in Hart had a match to contend with, after a shaky first half Celtic found their feet again but the match looked like finishing 2-2 until good work from Tony Ralston resulted in a trademark low cross being fired across the goalmouth for Luis Palma to tap into the net.
That roar led into the cheers for Hart making way for Scott Bain, in has been another monumental season for the departing keeper who missed just one SPFL match which was due to a red card from John Beaton.
Hart looked all around the stadium, took the hugs and congratulations of his team-mates, then his manager and John Kennedy then settled into the dug out to soak up the scenes as the match was closed out as a 3-2 win for the home team.
Once again Hart was at the core of the after-match presentations, everyone inside the stadium will be hoping that he has one final medal to add to his collection when the final curtain comes down at Hampden on Saturday.
CLICK HERE for two faced Keevins makes remarkable Rodgers u-turn
CLICK HERE for Santa Ponsa celebrates Celtic’s victory in the Glasgow Derby.
CLICK HERE for SPFL Premiership table.
