Hart: ‘I know my time with Blues is over’

JOE Hart admits he is ‘surplus to requirements’ at City .

The 29-year-old, who spent a decade at the Etihad, was allowed to join Torino on loan in the summer after Pep Guardiola signed Claudio Bravo from Barcelona.

After a shaky start, Hart has impressed on loan at Torino and has kept eight clean sheets and made more saves than both Bravo and Willy Caballero.

But, despite Bravo’s ongoing struggles at City, Hart does not think he will be in Guardiola’s plans for next season. “I’d say I’m pretty much surplus to requirements at my parent club at the moment,” he told BBC’s Premier League show. “I have got to be realistic.

“I love that club and I have always said, as long as they want me, I will be there.

“I want to play football and I love to play football, so if that opportunity is not going to be given there, then I am going to have to look elsewhere and I may have to make somewhere else my home.”

Guardiola initially plumped for Willy Caballero between the sticks before signing Bravo.

And, having made his name as a shot stopper rather than a ballplaying ‘keeper, Hart knew his days were numbered.

“I saw it coming,” he admits. “You just pick up vibes and it certainly wasn’t a surprise to me.

“It was something that I wanted to change and I thought I was more than capable of changing, but to get results, he had to have a team that he felt comfortable with and a team that he wanted. I didn’t fall into that category and it’s no problem.

“I’d love to have stayed and fought and shown what I can do, but I do not have that time. You do not have that time, especially as a goalkeeper. You can’t come off the bench for 10 minutes and prove your worth – you’re either in or you’re out.

“I’m all up for a fight. I’ll fight my corner all day. But if you’re not going to win, there is no point in fighting, especially with someone as powerful as that at Manchester City.

“It’s nothing personal on me. I know it is nothing personal on me. He’s not that kind of guy.”

Hart has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs since joining Torino on loan.

But, having proved himself in Serie A, the England No.1 has not ruled out continuing his foreign sojourn on a permanent basis.

“I’m open,” he said. “I love the Premier League and I absolutely love Premier League games.

“But I wouldn’t say it is top of my wishlist.

“Top of my wishlist is to play for a club who wants me to be their goalkeeper.”