How Joe Hart reflected on his Celtic career after cup win

Of all the emotions what are you feeling now?

I think I am all drained out. I know it is the end of my career. Honestly, my focus was on this game as it was so important to the club to keep winning. It was important that we sealed the title and doubled it up with the Scottish Cup. It is a special feeling.

Have you had any second thoughts over the past couple of weeks?

No, I haven't. It is not an emotional decision. I made it earlier in the season because it just felt like the right time for me physically. It was never a question it was just a timing thing in terms of my three years being up here it was the right time for the family. It just feels like the right time and I feel comfortable with it. I think it is someone else's turn and there is nobody else I want to play for than this club. 

A last-minute winner in the Scottish Cup final against your rivals is some way to go out, isn't it?

Oh my! Honestly, I am worried that something bad is going to happen to me because, over the past couple of weeks, life has felt really good. On a serious note, it was a tight game and it was always going to be settled by little bits and bobs and moments and I am so happy for Adam to score that goal. It is huge for a young player to do that. You can tell that he has only been here a small amount of time but he loves the club. That's a big moment.

Did you have any doubt when Sima scored that it would go to VAR and the referee would see a foul or was your heart in your mouth?

Your heart is always in your mouth because you don't know. It came from behind me so I don't know who pushed me. I didn't know what had gone on behind me. I felt set for the cross as they had a plan to cross on me and as soon as I got ready to deal with it someone pushed me. I don't think my team would have done that. I was confident someone pushed me but it was just whether it was a Celtic or a Rangers player.

You have spoken a few times about how much you have loved this club and what the move has meant to you. Can you sum up what it has given your career, your life, and being here in front of your family today and the life you have had at Celtic?

I live in moments and you could have asked me this question when life was good at Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham. You could have asked me when I was sitting on the bench at Burnley and West Ham. You kind of live in it and it is best to stay focused and humble and hungry and that's how I have been my whole life. Sometimes it pays you back and sometimes you just have to suck it up. I've been lucky that whilst I have been up here it has paid me back in ways that I never thought. You can be paid in football in terms of the love and loyalty this place has shown me and really let me into its heart. I'll be forever grateful and forever part of the Celtic Family.

How special was that moment, going up to collect the trophy and waving to your family in the stands to see you off in your final game as a professional?

I don’t know how special it was. At the time you just do right and live it. You can see the smiles on everyone’s faces, but there’s going to be a moment - maybe in a few months or a year - I don’t know when, but it’s going to all come crashing down, but I’m going to sit back and smile and say ‘what a ride!’. I’ve loved every minute of it - the good and bad. I’ve had a great career and there have been all sorts of plots and storylines to it. We’ve stuck together as a family and as a group of friends. I’m proud to represent this team.

What do you take away from this?

I don’t know! I’m going to find out, aren’t I, in the coming months because I’ve lived it. This club wants to win and I want to win. I have to remove myself from that crazy way of thinking and living, but ultimately I just feel love and respect and a lot of respect to this place.

This has been a hugely successful period for the club. What do you see inside that dressing room that has brought all those trophies and silverware?

I see that it is ingrained in the walls and the people who come to support us. That fanbase is superb because it doesn’t just turn out and cheer and sing songs - it expects. When you play with passion and with a desire to work for the badge, then we’re very hard to stop.

Was there a final message from the manager and players to you?

For me? No! This place has made me feel so special - the manager and the players. I know it’s coming to an end for me but they’ve made me feel so special. They’ve made me feel so special and an ‘old boy’ happy. I’m forever grateful to all of them.

Will you miss Celtic?

It goes without saying, but I’m going to have to go and wait for that crash to come down. 

Joe you seemed really emotional. Has that caught you by surprise?

No, I’m an emotional guy. I play with my heart on my sleeve and I’m probably more emotional when I’m happy. I’m not that emotional when I’m sad, but I’m proud. I shed a tear after that final whistle. Pure joy, sheer happiness and I’m very proud.