Man City are planning a special little present for Joe Hart ahead of the goalkeeper’s return to the Etihad with Burnley this coming Saturday.
Before the game, City will formally announce that a pitch at their training complex has been named in Hart’s honour as a mark of gratitude for the goalkeeper’s 12 years of service to the club.
Much like they did on Yaya Toure’s departure, City will also unveiled a specially made mosaic plaque that will be planted on a plinth next to the Joe Hart pitch.
We have dedicated a goalkeeper training pitch at the CFA to Club legend Joe Hart in recognition of his 12-year association with the Club 💙 #mancity pic.twitter.com/VqxKOpmBfy
— Manchester City (@ManCity) 19 October 2018
It doesn’t end there either, with City also confirming that chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak will join Hart and his family after the Burnley match to present the 31-year-old with a miniature replica of the aforementioned mosaic, along with a lifetime season ticket.
Discussing the various presentations heading his way, Hart said thus:
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.
Whether the Joe Hart pitch will be illuminated by the Costel Pantilimon lamp post is yet to be confirmed.