Speaking on the BBC Match of the Day Top 10 Podcast, Micah Richards has been speaking out in defence of Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Richards was tasked on the podcast with naming the best XI of players he’s played with throughout his career, and, somewhat unsurprisingly, Hart was his choice between the sticks.
Hart played with Richards at Manchester City for a number of years, and Richards was full of praise for the goalie, stating that he doesn’t like the way he’s been portrayed in the media in recent years.
What’s been said about Hart?
Richards spoke about Hart with Gary Lineker.
“Joseph Hart, he was brilliant. Joseph Hart. He was an unsung hero, to City fans he’s a hero, but that whole England thing is nonsense, he has 60 or 70 caps,” Richards said.
“Sometimes you’re remembered for your most recent stuff and in the end it went sour for him, but you’re right, before that he was terrific,” Lineker added.
“He was pivotal in Man City’s success as well. Some of his games in the Champions League were outrageous and I don’t like the way the media tried to tarnish him as arrogant. He works hard and he’s still in great shape now.”
Unfair
To be fair, Richards is right, Hart has received a lot of undue stick in recent years.
Yes, he’s not as good as he once was, but he’s been nothing but professional since leaving City even though he’s been the second-string goalkeeper at West Ham, Burnley and Tottenham in recent years.
Hart is now finding his feet again in Scotland and we can only hope he can end his career with one final flourish.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
