Former City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been honoured with a goalkeeper training pitch named after him at the City Football Academy signposted with the mosaic which was created by local artist and lifelong City fan Mark Kennedy.
Ahead of Manchester City’s home game against Burnley this weekend the City legend quietly arrived on Thursday to unveil a mosaic of one of the most iconic moments in the Club’s history.
Hart, now starring in the Premier League for Saturday’s opponents Burnley after a permanent move there in the summer, will have the pitch named after him at the club’s 80-acre site in recognition of his 12 year association with City.
Hart was joined by fellow former goalkeeper Alex Williams and Club ambassador Mike Summerbee on Thursday to unveil the mosaic which was inspired by his iconic 2012 title-winning celebrations.
In 348 appearances for the Club, Hart won two league titles, FA Cup and two League Cups during his time in Manchester in which he helped establish the Club as contenders at the highest level in both domestic and European football.
Speaking of the dedication, Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said:
“It is truly fitting to mark Joe Hart’s outstanding contribution to Manchester City in such a visible way. During his 12 years with the Club, Joe not only produced some incredible individual displays, but also celebrated great success as a member of the Club’s most decorated team in decades.
“His Manchester City legacy is assured and it is hoped that this tribute will serve to inspire future generations of goalkeepers who train at the City Football Academy dreaming of replicating his remarkable career.”
Hart added: “Having the goalkeeping pitch at the City Football Academy dedicated to me is a huge honour. Manchester City has been a huge part of my life and my career, and I’m immensely proud of what I and my teammates achieved in that period.
“There have been some incredible goalkeeping legends throughout Manchester City’s history, and I feel privileged that the Club has chosen to recognise me amongst that number.”
Khaldoon will join Joe and his family after the Burnley fixture on Saturday to present him with his own replica mosaic and lifetime season card.