Joe Hart: The former Celtic and England goalkeeper retires at the end of the season

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has retired at the end of the current season, saying he feels “physically great” but wants to “get to the finish line”.

The former England and Manchester City goalkeeper, 36, recently told Celtic that his third season in Glasgow will be his last.

Brendan Rodgers, the coach, said that Hart, who played 75 matches for his country, will largely miss the match.

In addition to his dual success north and south of the border, Harte won six cup medals with City and Celtic.

He told Celtic TV: “I wanted to send the message from June, I will stop playing football. This is something I have thought about for a while, there is no right time or wrong time?”

“There's obviously a discussion about the goalkeeping position for next season, and I think it's really important that we get the message across with the club's blessing, and that takes one thing away from what people are speculating about.

“Physically, I feel good, I feel as good as I can be. For my age and what I've done with my body, I've been on the bench since I was 15, and I've been involved in professional football every day since I was 15. 16.

“I've done my best to keep myself in the best shape possible to give it my all on match day and I truly believe I'm at that peak, but I realize time waits for no one and I don't want my body to be that was one of the main factors, believing I can get to the finish line.” .

“Mentally I'm in the only place I like to be, I'm in a place of clarity. Obviously I've thought about this a lot. There are a lot of major factors that have contributed to it but I think the time is now.”

Hart made 690 club appearances, having also played for Shrewsbury, Tranmere, Blackpool, Birmingham, Torino, Burnley and Tottenham.

He was part of England's squad for four successive Grand Slams between 2010 and 2016, making his last appearance the following year.

Hart has helped Celtic win five of six domestic titles in the past two seasons under Ange Postecoglou, and current manager Rodgers says the Englishman deserves “huge praise and congratulations” for his contribution to football.

“He has been a great asset for Celtic of course and for the game at the highest levels, both domestically and internationally,” Rodgers told the club website.

“But beyond that, he is a tremendous guy, great to work with, someone who I know has been a great teammate to many throughout his career and a player who has never given anything other than his best.

“I also know that he will continue to work through this season with the same intensity, commitment and drive that he has always been known for.”