At the age of 34, Joe Hart is having a wonderful time with Celtic, having continued to feature in the starting XI to such an extent that he has made 46 appearances in all competitions, contributing to the lead. The top of the Scottish Premiership, having three points more than Rangers and having just won the Scottish League Cup last December. from helping the team to a 2-1 win over Hibernian in the final
All of this is completely different from the situation before he joined Celtic on August 3, 2021. Because he is not the main character of Tottenham Hotspur since last season. Before becoming buried alive, Nuno Espirito Santo, who took over at Spurs last summer, said he was no longer in his plans.
The situation during the past summer of Hart called it very bad. It’s hard to believe it happened to someone who was once England’s No. 1, formerly a mainstay at Manchester City, was hailed as a tough goalkeeper. One of the coolest escapes in European football. Yes, even Hart couldn’t believe his own life had turned up to that level.
“Last summer it changed a lot at Tottenham,” Hart opened up as he was featured on a podcast. “One day suddenly he (Nuno) called me to talk. I knew at the time that they were going to bring in another goalkeeper. So I was in the mood for -Do we need to talk?- But he said we need to talk about something after training.
“Then he told me that – Let me say it first. I’ll be clear, no matter what happens. Throughout this season, you’ll never be able to kick the ball. I get along well with the people in the club. A lot of people believed in what I was trying to bring to the team- I was like, uh, okay- at the time, and then he said, -You can find a way with the club’s sporting director to get yourself out of here. Whatever you want to do, just do it-“
Hearing that, is it that someone of the Heart level would simply give in? “I asked – Well, I was just wondering. Let’s say you talk indifferently to the current situation. Well, you, too, were a goalkeeper before. I wonder why it came to this point? Why did I change from being what I used to be? to become an excess of the team’s strength And now it has turned out to be not good enough to be a backup for the first hand again? It’s better to speak directly.”
What came out of Santo’s mouth at that time was something that Hart hadn’t thought of. We’ve reached a point where physically it can’t let you play football any longer. We have reached that point. Now I’m uncomfortable letting you play for me for a minute. The ball is too fast for you, you’re too old, you don’t move, your physical condition doesn’t have any strength left.”
“He buried me alive. I even laughed at that moment. Because whether I deceive myself or not But I did not agree with his words in the slightest. I told him -I want your opinion. Now you’ve answered. It’s not what I want to hear. And I have to get myself out of this situation-“
Santo’s words were so intense that at that time Hart even thought about quitting football. “That day I went straight home and was in a very confused state. I think I’m out of shape. I couldn’t allow myself to be in such an embarrassing condition anymore. I’m going to sit in this room and have him talk to me like that again easily.”
However, Hart was unable to leave football easily: “For three years I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. I decided to walk the other way (after saying goodbye to Manchester City) and was scolded. It’s like getting kicked in the face all the time. Even though I’m just trying my best I thought to myself -I don’t want it to be like this again, I’m strong, my health is fine. I love football – I tell myself I’m willing to play 30 charity games a year to anyone who really wants me in goal. and reward them
“I can’t let it be like this. I like football but I don’t like the situation anymore. Everyone behind me agreed, they said -I understand what you mean- so the next day I went to him (Santo) and said -First of all. you are the team manager You have to make some decisions that are normal. The rest is too much-
“It’s over. I won’t be a problem I intend to train hard every day and find a way out. I just had to deal with another problem. He’s a manager and has to deal with some surpluses. And I’m part of that. He made that decision and stayed firm on that, so it’s okay, he’s the boss and I had to come out.
Hart didn’t let the opportunity come to him. He decided to contact Celtic coach Ange Postecoglu himself to increase his chances of being able to stay with Celtic. Come too, they (Spurs) told me to talk to the other side. So I thought to myself, -Awesome- Now I love every minute I’m here. I’m happy here.”
Of course, it cannot be said for sure whether Santo and Hart are right about the situation at Spurs, but at least Hart is now happy again. And that is important for every footballer.
– Kids Kred Ball –
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