Celtic: Joe Hart makes Manchester City confession

Scottish Premiership champions, Celtic, are nearing their long awaited return to the UEFA Champions League. It has been a long time since the Hoops have competed in the group stage of Europe’s elite competition but over the last year, it feels like they have managed to assemble a squad prepared to shine on the big stages.

With the Champions League returning to Celtic Park, some of the players will get their first taste of elite European football. On the other hand, others will be returning to the competition after a long absence.

One of those players is Joe Hart. Following a glittering career at Manchester City, he struggled badly, with the loan spells at Torino and West Ham United proving fruitless, as was his move to Burnley. Ultimately, he found himself as the back up goalkeeper at Tottenham Hotspur. A long fall for someone who holds the record for most Golden Gloves in Premier League history alongside the legendary Petr Cech.

Hart has managed to turn his career around though, after joining Celtic last summer. At the age of 35, he is once again a first-choice goalkeeper and has also become a fan favourite at Parkhead. And now, he will also be making his return to the Champions League, a competition that he might have given up hope of ever playing in again.

Celtic number one makes Manchester City confession

Ahead of the Champions League campaign, where Celtic could be drawn against Manchester City, Hart has confessed that he has “endless love” for his former club, despite how it ended. As reported by Daily Record, he said:

"“That part of my life I’m very proud of and I’ve got endless love for that club. But life goes on, as was proven by how I left the place.“It’s a superb football club, it’s a superb set up, there’s lot of people I get on with there. However, there’s certainly no one in there that I don’t want a part of playing against.“My focus is on what we do, how we prepare and what we can bring to the table. My undying love will forever be with the (Man City) club but when it comes to team football, I represent Celtic.”"

Hart played a key part in Manchester City going from a mid to lower table team in the Premier League to one of the best in Europe, following their takeover. He will surely go down as a legend of the club.

Since moving to Scotland last summer, Hart has done a wonderful job as well, not only on the pitch but as a leader as well. He has proven that he is still more than good enough to be a starting goalkeeper. Now, let’s see if Celtic do end up getting drawn against Manchester City in the Champions League.