Last summer, former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Joe Hart spoke with the “In The Stiffs” podcast, where he discussed his departure from the north London club. Before his Celtic transfer, the veteran shot-stopper states that he was ‘buried’ by former manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
In addition, Hart revealed that the former Tottenham manager informed him he was too old and not fast enough to play for Spurs, making it clear to the 34-year-old, who joined the club in 2020, that he had no future there.
“He just went, ‘in my opinion, we all reach a point in our career where the body won’t allow you to play football. We’re at it now. I would not feel comfortable with you playing one minute for me. The ball’s too quick for you, you’re too old, you’re not moving, you’ve got no strength in your body,” Hart said.
“He literally buried me, and I’m laughing because, whether I’m deluded or not, I was like, I don’t agree with any of that. I asked for your opinion; you have given it, it’s not what I wanted to hear, and I am going to have to take myself out of this situation.”
Hart went on to say that once Nuno said that to him, the veteran goalkeeper knew that he had to depart because there was no way the two could be together after what the Portuguese tactician stated.
“Going no direction just getting constantly volleyed in the face when all I am trying to do is my best,” Hart said. “I was like: I don’t need this anymore. I’m strong. I’m healthy; I love football. I went home and said I’d prefer to play 30 charity games a year for anyone who would want me to play in goal and give something back.”
Hart has made 28 appearances for the Scottish giants, conceding 15 goals and registering 16 clean sheets for Celtic. Furthermore, he’s already won a trophy this season, helping the Glasgow-based club win the Scottish League Cup.