JOE HART could be set to make a stunning return to Manchester City when he hangs up his gloves at the end of the season, according to a report.
The Celtic goalkeeper announced back in February that this season would be his last and he is now looking to end his career on a high by lifting a league and Scottish Cup double with the Hoops.
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The former England international spent 12 years with the Citizens following his move from Shrewsbury Town in 2008.
During that time, he won the Premier League and League Cup twice as well as his FA Cup triumph in the 2010/11 season.
It’s also where he tied down his starting berth in the England national team.
Hart, now 37, left the Etihad in 2018 after making 348 first team appearances for the club.
But he had already been shown the door at the club by manager Pep Guardiola two years prior, with the manager controversially dropping the Englishman to the bench for his first game in charge against Sunderland.
Willy Caballero was the preferred option that day and Hart never played another game for the club, with Claudio Bravo signed in his place from Guardiola’s former team Barcelona.
The experienced stopper was then loaned out to Torino just four days later.
But despite all that, Hart could reunite with the Spaniard again this summer as Man City are reportedly keen on bringing him back for an emotional return when he officially retires.
That’s according to the Daily Record – who claim the Blues are keen to bring the goalkeeper back to the club in a non-footballing capacity of ambassador role.
It’s believed Hart isn’t keen on taking on a coaching position when he leaves Celtic as he has yet to complete any badges, but it’s still unclear which direction he’ll take when he finally quits the sport.
The veteran hopes to end his career in style this season by helping Brendan Rodgers’ side see off Rangers in the Premiership and in the Scottish Cup when the two sides meet at Hampden on May 25.
Speaking this week, he said: “It could be a great way to bow out, hopefully.
“I’ve got a date now that is going to be the final game I am available to be involved in.
“Who knows what is going to happen in the next five weeks?
“Hopefully I’ll be fit, in form and picked to play.
“It’s all set up, though. It could be set up for someone to be the hero.
“Everyone is fit apart from the obvious issue we have with Daizen, but hopefully we are going to get him back before the end of the season.
“Everyone else is fit and available and everyone wants to do their best to put us in the best place. When you get to my age your circle gets a lot smaller.
“I’ve got a lot of people who mean the absolute world to me and it is an important time for myself as a person and as a family member.
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“I’ve some great friends who hopefully will be there to share this moment with me who have been there through the good times and the bad.”
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