Joe Hart will be back on the Celtic Park pitch for the first time since hanging up his gloves, as he lines up in a Legends match against Manchester United in aid of the Celtic FC Foundation this September.
Joe Hart Celtic
Soccer Football – Scottish Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 25, 2024 Celtic’s Joe Hart celebrates after winning the Scottish Cup Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
The former Hoops No. 1 confirmed his participation in the charity event with an emotional message, expressing his excitement at returning to a club that left a lasting mark on him and his family.
“I’m absolutely delighted to announce I’m going to be coming back to Celtic Park to play in a Legends match in September against Manchester United,” Hart said on the club’s social media. “It’s been a year since I got to play at that special stadium and I’ve been supporting from afar.
“I’ve made no secret what I feel about your special football club. It means the world to myself and my family, so I’m really honoured to be asked to come back.
“I worked really closely with the Celtic Foundation whilst I was there.
“They do some incredible work, raising some really important money and hopefully we can do that again in September.
“So, looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and look, we’ve retired now so we can enjoy it, right?
“Sending lots of love. See you soon.”
Hart, 38, retired from professional football in 2024 following a decorated three-year spell in Glasgow. He lifted three Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups, becoming a cornerstone of Ange Postecoglou’s all-conquering side.
Now working in punditry, Hart regularly featured in Champions League coverage involving Celtic last season. But he will swap the studio for the pitch once more in September, in a fixture that promises entertainment and nostalgia, all while supporting a good cause.
He was loved by Celtic fans during his spell at Parkhead, despite the question marks that surrounded him when he signed during Ange Postecoglou’s first transfer window at the club.
He quickly showed his quality, and his experience that he added to the dressing room, with many new faces, was second to none.
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