In honoring “giant” Joe Hart on his retirement from professional football, Celtic captain Callum McGregor said that the team would continue to benefit from his legacy for many years to come.
A fitting manner for the 37-year-old to conclude his career, Hart assisted Celtic in their 1-0 victory against Rangers on Saturday, which sealed the Scottish Cup and a double for Brendan Rodgers’ team.
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Although McGregor is sure that Hart’s influence and impact on his colleagues, especially the younger ones, will continue to help Celtic for a long time to come, he will miss the support Hart provided him in a leadership role inside the Celtic dressing room next year.
“You have to learn from him when you play with top, experienced players,” McGregor remarked.
“That is the reason they are there; you can watch what they do and how they get ready, as well as ask questions.”
“At 37, he has witnessed a great deal in football, competed at the highest level, and experienced challenging times during his career.
“The players should look up to him and truly learn from him because when you see these elite players, you need to get as much knowledge as you can from them.
“There’s no better way to cap off the game—winning at Hampden with a late goal from him and keeping a clean sheet—than to end with a double. It’s a very creative way to end. He’s free to go enjoy his golden years.
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You’ll see him appear someplace, I’m sure. He is a tremendously seasoned and well-respected player who has been a giant since the day he stepped through the door. He deserves all the praise and recognition that he will receive in the football world.
“He has played a major role in our success during the past three years.”
