Everything Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart said to the media following Celtic’s 1-0 win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup final…
What are you feeling right now, out of all the emotions?
I believe I am completely exhausted. I am aware that this is my career’s end. To be honest, I was totally focused on this game since the club needed to keep winning. Our ability to win the Scottish Cup and solidify our crown was crucial. It is a unique sensation.
Have you had any second thoughts over the past couple of weeks?
No, I haven’t. This is not a sentimental choice. It just felt like the ideal moment for me physically, so I made it early in the season. After spending three years up here, it was always a matter of timing—it was the ideal moment for the family. I just think it’s the appropriate moment, and I’m at ease with it. I believe it’s another person’s turn, and this club is the only team I want to play for.
A last-minute winner in the Scottish Cup final against your rivals is some way to go out, isn’t it?
My goodness! To be honest, life has been extremely fantastic these past few weeks, therefore I’m terrified that something horrible may happen to me. On a more serious note, I am thrilled that Adam scored the goal since it was a close game that would always come down to small details. That is really impressive for a young player to perform. Even though he hasn’t been here long, you can tell that he enjoys the club. It’s quite the moment.
Did you have any doubt when Sima scored that it would go to VAR and the referee would see a foul or was your heart in your mouth?
You don’t know, thus your heart is always in your mouth. I’m not sure who shoved me because it came from behind me. I had no idea what was happening behind me. They had planned to cross on me, so I felt prepared for the cross. However, just as I was getting ready to face it, someone shoved me. My squad wouldn’t have done that, in my opinion. I was certain that someone had shoved me, but I couldn’t tell if it was a Rangers or Celtics player.
You have spoken a few times about how much you have loved this club and what the move has meant to you. Can you sum up what it has given your career, your life, and being here in front of your family today and the life you have had at Celtic?
You could have asked me this question back when things were well at Birmingham and Shrewsbury Town, but I live in the moment. I could have answered that when I was West Ham’s and Burnley’s bench warmer. You sort of live in it, so the best thing to do is to maintain your focus, humility, and hunger—I’ve always been that way. You have to learn to live with it sometimes, and sometimes it pays off. I’ve been fortunate that being up here has paid off in ways I never would have imagined.
The love and loyalty this place has shown me, and the way it truly accepted me into its heart, can be exchanged for football. I will always be appreciative and a member of the Celtic Family.
How special was that moment, going up to collect the trophy and waving to your family in the stands to see you off in your final game as a professional?
I’m not sure how unique it was. Just do the correct thing and experience it at that moment. Everyone appears happy, but there will come a day, perhaps in a few months or a year, when I’m not sure when it will all fall apart. In the meantime, I’ll just smile and remark, “What a ride!” I have enjoyed every second of it, both the good and the bad. There have been many different themes and narratives in my fantastic career. As a family and as a group of friends, we have remained united. To represent this team makes me proud.
What do you take away from this?
I’m not sure! Since I’ve experienced it, I’m going to find out in the upcoming months, don’t I? Both I and this club are interested in winning. I feel a lot of love and respect for this city, but I also have to break out from that weird way of thinking and living.
This has been a hugely successful period for the club. What do you see inside that dressing room that has brought all those trophies and silverware?
It’s evident in the walls and in the people that come to help us. That fan following is amazing because it expects rather than just showing up to applaud and sing. We’re incredibly difficult to stop when you play with enthusiasm and a desire to earn the badge.
Was there a final message from the manager and players to you?
For me? Not at all! I feel very special here because of the players and the boss. Even though I know it’s almost over, they’ve given me such a sense of specialness. I feel like a very unique and content “old boy” because of them. All of them have my eternal gratitude.
Will you miss Celtic?
It goes without saying, but I’m going to have to go and wait for that crash to come down.
Joe you seemed really emotional. Has that caught you by surprise?
No, I’m a sensitive guy. I tend to show my emotions freely, and I think that happiness makes me more sensitive. When I’m happy, I get really emotional, but when I’m upset, not so much. After that last whistle, I cried. I’m ecstatic, happy, and quite pleased.
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