Official: Joe Hart joins Torino on loan from Manchester City
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has officially joined FC Torino on a season-long loan.
The England no.1 had been linked with a number of football clubs in England and Italy after being told by manager Guardiola that he didn’t feature in his plans anymore. Sunderland, in particular, were keen on securing his services and were willing to pay a large part of his £135,000 per week wages but the 29-year-old preferred a move away from England in the end.
Hart, currently training with the England squad ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against Slovakia flew to Turin to finalise the deal.
Also read: As Claudio Bravo joins Manchester City, who is the better 'keeper, Bravo or Hart?
The England international joined Manchester City from Shrewsbury as a teenager and has since then made over 250 appearances for the club in a career spanning over a decade. At City, he has managed 2 Premier League titles as well as collecting both Domestic Cups and has long been a fan favourite at the Etihad.
After a poor Euro 2016 campaign though, coupled with the arrival of a new manager, Hart has fallen badly out of favour. Axed by Pep in favour of Willy Caballero who is considered to be more technically sound, Hart’s only appearance for the Blues this season was in their Champions League qualifier against Steaua Bucarest, a game many considered to be his farewell game for the club. Hart was extremely emotional at the final whistle and even broke into tears as he acknowledged the fans at the Etihad.
The arrival of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona made Hart the third choice keeper and consequently he has been on the lookout for a new destination. Hart and Guardiola apparently had a sat during training which made matters even worse.
Torino have been busy over the transfer window and have roped in a number of players including Adam Ljajic from Roma and Luca Rossettini from Bologna.
The club nicknamed "Torro" finished 12th last season but have made a decent start this time around picking up 3 points from their opening 2 games. The Italian club will be hoping Hart can guide them to a top half finish this season.