Joe Hart in emotional Celtic fan sign off as he names 'special' moment for his family

Joe Hart got emotional as he opened up on the Celtic welcome for his family.

The Hoops No. 1 insists his three years in Glasgow will remain "special" as he spoke ahead of his final Parkhead appearance. The former England international announced earlier this year that he was calling time not only his stint at Celtic but his career as a whole. Tomorrow will be his final outing in front of a packed out home support as Brendan Rodgers and co get set to lift the Scottish Premiership trophy after getting the point they required midweek with a five-star performance against Kilmarnock.

Asked how much his wife and young family have enjoyed his time at Celtic and the welcome they received, a teary looking Hart explained: "We are a team. That's the hardest bit for me to talk about to be honest. We are happy. Feel welcome and a special part of our life."

The 37-year-old knows he's still got work to do with a huge Scottish Cup Final battle with Rangers to come next weekend at Hampden in the season finale. But looking to the immediate future, he just wants to enjoy the occasion at Parkhead tomorrow and show as much gratitude to the supporters as he can. He said: "I know we've still got work to do. I don't think I will reflect. I just want to enjoy being at Celtic Park with the people who have made my life so great the last three years. I want to really enjoy that energy, buzz and anticipation of what is coming the week after.

"I want to try show as much gratitude as I can. I don't think it is going to be easy, it isn't easy to communicate those sort of things. Breathe it in, put on a performance and then strapping up and getting ready for the week after. We will enjoy the moment for the hard work we have done but I can't take myself away from the guy who just wants to play and win. That will come in months, probably years to come."

Asked his message to the Celtic fans as he gets ready to bow out, he added: "Just thank you, thank you. I appreciate everything, I appreciate all the kind words. I appreciate the backing. I appreciate the support in terms of wanting us to be better all the time - that push, that drive, no-one accepting anything other than the best. There's just a lot of love, a lot of love and appreciation and I hope this relationship doesn’t end. I want to continue it for as long as I possibly can.”