Joe Hart shares his honest thoughts on Man City’s guilty verdict
Joe Hart says he trusts Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and that confidence makes him sure the club won’t be found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules.
Last week, reports said City was found guilty of nearly all 115 charges against them, but Al Mubarak responded firmly. He said, “The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.”
Only a few current and former City players have spoken about the ongoing case, including former midfielder Rodri. On Monday night, Joe Hart shared his views.
Hart, who played 348 times for City over 12 years and won two Premier League titles with them, said he has “no reason not to trust” Al Mubarak because “what he said is enough.” Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former goalkeeper added, “I’ve heard everyone else go down every single rabbit hole and discussion. My honest opinion is I’ve got no reason not to trust Khaldoon. What he said is enough for me. I loved how he spoke. I loved the letter because it was from someone who really cares about the club.”
Hart went on, “If Man City are found guilty, which I don’t think they are because of what Khaldoon said, then we’ll have to talk about it. But right now, I’m very calm and confident. I’m proud of what I did and what the team achieved. That doesn’t change until I’m told otherwise.”
Looking back at his time at City, the 39-year-old said he knows “how it happened.” “I did what I did,” Hart explained. “I lined up on the pitch, played 11 v 11, won some games, lost some, drew some, shook hands, and walked off. I know what I did, what we did, and how it came about. It didn’t feel like we were plotting or scheming.”
As Hart mentioned, Al Mubarak is still confident City will prove their innocence. In an open letter to fans, the chairman promised to “say everything” about this long-running issue.
“I’ve been part of this club for 18 years,” he wrote on the official website. “I’ve stood with you at the Etihad, Wembley, and Istanbul. This club means a lot to me, and you’ve shown me how much Manchester City means to you. That’s why I’m writing to you today.
“After Friday’s media reports, many of you spent your evening answering questions from friends and family. So did I. I told my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to go, and we’re just as determined as ever to prove the club’s innocence.
“There’s so much I want to share to help you understand why we’re confident. But because of legal rules and respect for the process, I can’t right now. Even this letter went through legal checks to make sure it follows the rules.
“Please read carefully the statements we gave last Friday and in February 2023. Every word matters and remains true.
“While some people have already made up their minds, and there’s a lot of noise around us, nothing has changed. We’ve faced challenges before and come through them. There are people who want to hold us back, but we won’t let them.
“We have some exciting moments coming up after this international break — a trip to Anfield, then hosting Paris St Germain in the Champions League at the Etihad. These are chances to celebrate how strong the Manchester City family is.
“Thank you, as always, for your amazing support.”