As we look ahead to Saturday’s Legends Charity Match, Joe Hart spoke to Celtic TV about his excitement on returning to Celtic Park and the importance of the funds being raised through the match, in support of Celtic FC Foundation. Joe will be featuring among a host of other Celtic Park favourites, as he pulls on the jersey for the first time since ending a glittering career at the end of season 2023-24. Speaking of his decision to call time on his playing career at Celtic, Joe said: “It wasn’t without a lot of thought. I realised what I was giving up but I was definitely ready. I watch football now just wanting other people to do well, rather than putting myself in that position. I think that is the greatest pleasure that I’ve got from that decision because, as sure as I was, you never know right? But I made that decision and I’m delighted to be getting involved in lots of different things now. I can come to games and enjoy it. If I can help someone, I’ll help them. And to finish the way I did at Celtic, I couldn’t have missed that opportunity. I’ve really enjoyed staying in the game with the punditry and commentary work too, as well as spending time with family and friends.” On his return to Paradise, Joe added: “I can’t wait. I’ve come back a few times to work and I came back for pleasure also because, you know, it feels like somewhere that I’ll always enjoy coming back to. But walking out on the pitch again will be an even greater experience. I’ll obviously want to do well, as it’s still in me to want to do my best. “It will be a physical challenge. On the day, I’m not going to get carried away but my kind of thought process will be the same as when I played. I don’t know when that will run out. I was lucky enough and privileged enough to play in Soccer Aid recently, that was my last game of football and I’ll be treating this game in the same way. Look, we are here to celebrate, have fun and raise plenty of funds but, ultimately, I’m in goal and I’m trying to keep the ball out. “The connection I had with the fans and Club was amazing. When I came to Celtic, I understood that people may not understand why I was coming up and I just wanted to show that I just love football. I relish being part of somewhere that the fans love their team and it only works when you are all together. Upon joining, I loved the way that the fans embraced the change at that time and they realised that all of us were on the same page. And that relationship with the supporters grew and grew and was at its strongest when I left, ironically. That’s something that will never leave me and hopefully it will never leave them. “It’s a great squad we have for the match. I got to spend some time with Tom Rogic and appreciate him as such an amazing player and interesting person as well. I’m really pleased he is coming back because I know how much the Celtic fans love him. Being in the same squad as Artur Boruc as well, I’m going to love that. I’ve crossed paths with a lot of the other guys too. I played with Georgios Samaras at City, I played against Charlie, Stan Petrov I know so so well and all the other guys who are coming will be fantastic too. So it’s nice that we’ll be on the same team and it’s all for a great common cause, in supporting the work of the Foundation. “I love how Celtic FC Foundation work and I worked really closely with them in my time at the Club. They are genuinely trying to help the people in and around Glasgow and beyond. The Paradise Pit Stop project for example, it is a real community and something that people can look out for and feel safe at. I think that’s worth so much and it’s so important that they can continue to do that. If I can be part of it and help to raise funds for the Foundation, then everyone wins.” Funds raised through the match will focus on feeding people in need of our support, to reflect the heritage of the Club, primarily through the continuation and development of our Paradise Pit Stop project. Through the project, we provide a free warm meal and a selection of hot and soft drinks, four days a week, in a safe, non-judgmental and welcoming environment for individuals and families.
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