Vasilis Barkas praises ‘fantastic’ Celtic star who had no ego

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | Last updated 5/9/24

Former Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas has praised Joe Hart for his personality and quality on the pitch. The Greek goalkeeper endured a torrid debut season after signing from AEK Athens for £4.5m before Joe Hart was signed to become the first team goalkeeper in Ange Postecoglou’s first summer as manager.

However, reflecting on his time at Celtic, Barkas said it was a ‘pleasure’ to know Hart, who he said had no ego despite all that he achieved in the game.

“Joe Hart was a fantastic person as well as being a fantastic player, with a strong sense of humour. He achieved so much by winning the Premier League and FA Cup at Manchester City, but he never had an ego.

“He was humble and worked hard every single day in training. We had a strong relationship and shared many laughs together. It was a pleasure to know him.”

Hart will really appreciate these comments as he has commented before about wanting his character to lead before his quality on the pitch (which he has in abundance). The former Man City title winner will be looking to bow out with a Premiership and a Scottish Cup before Brendan Rodgers and the club are forced to dip into the transfer market for a new goalkeeper. The club will be hoping that it is a Hart signing rather than a Barkas signing.

Celtic cut ties with Barkas last summer and he has been getting back to his best with Utrecht since then. Barkas made just two appearances in the 2021/22 season and found himself down the pecking order at Celtic with the Englishman firmly the No.1. The arrival of Hart as well as Scott Bain being given a new deal suggests that the prospect of ever breaking back into the first team was slim.

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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