Torino have announced the signing of Joe Hart on a season-long loan from Manchester City,
Hart, 29, was seen in and around Turin on Tuesday as he arrived in Italy to seal his move to the Serie A side.
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The English national team goalkeeper has fallen behind both Claudio Bravo and Willy Caballero in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium following Pep Guardiola’s appointment as Man City’s new manager this summer.
Guardiola believes Hart is not good enough with the ball at his feet to play in his system, so Hart has gone elsewhere.
Speaking about his move to Torino, Hart revealed his emotions on arriving in Italy’s top-flight.
So, what do we make of this move for Hart?
After spending a decade at Man City, it was clear he would only be used sparingly this season so he simply had to leave. Sunderland seemed to be his only option in the Premier League and you can’t blame him for not wanting to be embroiled in a relegation battle at the Stadium of Light.
Torino finished 12th in Serie A last season and have ambitions to finish in the top 10 this season but they aren’t playing in the UEFA Champions League or Europa League and it is strange Hart didn’t have other options. However, it is a chance for Hart to learn a new culture and play regularly to keep himself in the England setup until he sorts out his long-term future away from City. As long as Guardiola is around Hart isn’t going to play for the team he has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups with.
Hart is a hero at Man City and always will be but with this move he has taken himself out of the firing line in England and now has a chance to play regularly and rebuild his career in Italy after becoming the first-ever English goalkeeper in Serie A.