English goalkeeper Joe Hart Ends 12-year stay at Manchester City, Joins Burnley

London, Aug 7: English goalkeeper Joe Hart on Tuesday ended his 12-year contract with Manchester City as he completed a move to Burnley.

Hart, 31, spent the last two seasons out on loan, firstly in Italy with Torino and then West Ham as he fell out of favour with Man City chief coach Pep Guardiola.

Hart will be available for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.

At City, Hart featured in 348 games, winning the English Premier League (EPL) twice under coaches Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini.

A club statement from City hailed Hart as a “club legend” and credited him with playing “an instrumental role in establishing the club as a major force in both domestic and European football”.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was quoted as saying by ESPNFC: “Joe Hart’s contribution to Manchester City cannot be overstated.

“His 12 years at the club have seen him produce some remarkable performances and heart-stopping saves that will live in the memory for a long time to come. His passion for and commitment to this club, evidenced by a remarkable tally of 348 appearances, means he will rightly be regarded as a City legend in perpetuity.” IANS