Title-winning goalkeeper to leave City after twelve years

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Joe Hart of Manchester City celebrates as his team score during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Final match between Manchester City and Stoke City at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Joe Hart of Manchester City celebrates as his team score during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Final match between Manchester City and Stoke City at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Joe Hart is preparing to sign a permanent contract with Burnley tonight, bringing to an end his 12 year association with Manchester City.

He will move for a £4 million transfer fee with further payments due for appearances and dependent upon how high Burnley finish in the league.

Joe Hart is currently on a contract of around £100k a week at City which runs until 30 June 2019. Apparently his new contract with Burnley involves a cut to his basic salary but should guarantee him first team football in the top flight given injuries to Burnley’s two other registered goalkeepers.

Joe Hart has enjoyed an illustrious career with City winning 2 Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and 2 League Cups. In addition he has picked up many individual awards for his performances including 4 Premier League Golden Gloves.

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Joe Hart joined the Sky Blues from Shrewsbury for a fee of £900k on 1 July 2006. Whilst at Man City he has been loaned out a total of 5 times to Tranmere, Blackpool, Birmingham, Torino and West Ham. Whilst at Birmingham he was voted player of the season and featured in the PFA Team of the Year.

Joe Hart was a fantastic player for City and his contribution to our recent rise should never be forgotten. Anyone in doubt of Joe Hart’s commitment should just watch his celebration at the famous ‘Aguerooooo’ goal in 2012.

Moving aside Joe Hart was Guardiola’s first big decision at Man City and was driven by his desire to play a certain way and build from the back.

The performance of the centurions last season probably vindicates Guardiola’s decision but Hart has been a great servant and will be missed by the fans.

I want to wish Joe Hart all the best for his career at Burnley and hope he will get the opportunity to add to his impressive haul of 75 England caps.