New Burnley man Hart thanks City for ‘fantastic experience’

Matt Stead

Burnley have signed goalkeeper Joe Hart on a two-year deal from Manchester City.

The Clarets confirmed the transfer on their official website, revealing an undisclosed fee had been paid for the former England number one.

Manager Sean Dyche was not expecting to be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer but injuries to Nick Pope and Tom Heaton – both England internationals in their own right – forced his hand.

Hart spent 12 years as a City player but went from undisputed first-choice to fringe player after Pep Guardiola’s arrival and spent the last two seasons on loan with Torino and West Ham.

The 31-year-old ultimately lost his place in England’s World Cup squad too, edged out by Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Pope for a place in Gareth Southgate’s plans this summer.

Hart, who boasts 75 international caps and two Premier League titles, will wear squad number 20.

“It’s been a fantastic experience, I’ve grown a lot,” he told CityTV. “I came here at 19 and I’m going to leave at 31 so it’s been a long time and lot of things have happened – family, friends and a lot of football!

“I certainly feel a lot of love and appreciation. I’ve always enjoyed the Man City fans, I came here as a Shrewsbury Town player – a kid from Shrewsbury. It was the pinnacle for me to be at this club before they were challenging for the title, and I was welcomed from day one. I think they saw in me someone who was just going to try his best.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do the things I’ve done if I wasn’t embraced or happy – so I’m happy to have given the fans some great memories and hopefully I’ll be thought of well.”