Joe Hart: New Torino star pens emotional farewell letter to Manchester City fans
Long-serving goalkeeper leaves Etihad for loan deal to Serie A after being frozen out by Pep Guardiola
JOE HART has penned an emotional farewell letter to Manchester City fans after joining Torino on a season-long loan.
New Etihad boss Pep Guardiola made it clear from the off that Hart was not in his plans, leaving the England shot-stopper on the bench as Willy Caballero lined up between the sticks for the first three Premier League games of the season.
Hart was given a start in the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Steaua Bucharest and was treated to a rapturous send-off from the City faithful.
The signing of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona confirmed Hart’s status as third-choice, and the two-time title winner opted for a move abroad despite interest from Everton and Sunderland.
Hart will now be looking to regain his status as one of Europe’s top keepers during his time in Serie A.
But just hours after penning his deal, Hart posted a heartfelt letter to supporters thanking them for the memories they shared together over the years.
Hart wrote: “Good evening. I just wanted to take this opportunity to address all the amazing Manchester City fans who have been so good to me.
“It’s been a difficult few weeks but that will never cloud the amazing journey and experience your great club has given to me.
“From the moment I signed in 2006, the club and its fans have given me football and life experiences I could never have imagined and I am so thankful for that.
“Football is a crazy game and, due to circumstances, I am now moving on to another chapter of my career and I am very grateful that Torino has given me this opportunity to play for their great club.
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“But the feelings I felt during the recent Steaua Bucharest game will live with me forever. You can’t but that and I will struggle to replicate them. So thank you for that and all the amazing memories.
“There are many great people at the club behind the scenes and the club is moving in the right direction, so I would like to wish Manchester City football club, all its staff and players and of course the fans, all the best for the coming season and beyond.
“Thanks again, Joe Hart.”