Joe Hart took a sly dig at manager Pep Guardiola during an emotional farewell to Manchester City fans. The England no.1 made what is expected to be his last appearance for City in their 1-0 win against Steaua and was named captain for the night. Hart waved to all the sections of the crowd after the final whistle in a clear gesture that he is off to another club.
Axed due to a perceived weakness with the ball at his feet, Hart had a 100 percent pass completion rate last night and couldn’t resist taking a dig at the manager. Hart said: “Wow! Pigs do fly, don’t they?”
“We all know there’s a situation going on, but I feel that inside and outside of all the circus we’re handling it well as a good team with a good management staff. I enjoyed tonight.” he went on to add.
Hart has spent a decade at Manchester City after joining as a teenager from Shrewsbury and has been a permanent fixture in the City side that won two Premier League titles as well as both domestic cups and is a fan favourite at the Etihad.
In fact, City fans even chanted his name constantly through the 90 minutes in an attempt to sway Pep Guardiola and Hart admitted that this had a huge emotional impact on him.
“Tonight I played for Man City and I’ve enjoyed it and I have done every time I have played for Man City,” he said.
“That was a really special night for me. This is a special place for me. I don’t think there’s been any secret made of that.”
Joe Hart unsure about next club
Hart is still unsure about his future but admits he has no hard feelings with the manager. “We have a top manager that the football club has wanted for a long long time and he’ll have his opinion on things.
“Outside of the charade and all the rubbish that’s being talked, we’re dealing with it like men inside and we’ll come up with a solution.”
Guardiola although not critical of Hart has defended his decision to bring in Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo. “I’m here to take decisions, I make a lot of mistakes. Some good and some bad, but I try to be honest. ” he said.
With the transfer deadline day less than a week away, Hart was asked about his possible destinations to which he replied, “It’s not for me to say. It is what it is. You probably know better than me.”
City’s win over Steaua has ensured them a place in the Champions League group stages.
