Joe Hart marked his first start of the season, and possibly his last for Manchester City when they polished off Steaua Bucharest 1 – 0 in the second leg of their CL qualifier.
Claudio Bravo is due to replace Hart any day now and Manchester City fans showed their appreciation for Hart’s contributions to the fortunes of the club.
In the 66th minute of his 348th start for the club, while a Steaua Bucharest player was receiving treatment, the Etihad reverberated to chants of “Stand up if you love Joe Hart”. He responded by shaking his head and touching the club badge on his shirt.
Pep had the following to say about Hart’s imminent departure.
“Joe is still a player of us and I am happy with him today.I know he is a legend of the club and part of the reason the club has been successful is Joe. “He helped make City one step above, with success in the Premier League and the cups, so I am so happy with how people treat him.But I am here to take the decisions. I make a lot of mistakes in my career, but I try to be honest and I can’t deny what I feel.At Barcelona or Bayern Munich, all of my decisions weren’t right, but I have to take them.I am here and I have to take decisions, that’s all. Some will agree, some will not agree. I understand.I was honest with Joe and the club and all the players. The people who want to follow me, I am here to do that for them.The City fans can express what they feel. I would like all my decisions to make everyone happy – the fans, the media the club, but it is impossible.”
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