HART: PEP IS THE PAST, IT’S BILIC I NEED TO IMPRESS

me as a 19-year-old from Shrewsbury Town, took something of a punt on me. And I have had some fantastic times there.

“The fans have been so supportive of me, even in the last year. There is no point in me taking it too personally, as it’s just football.”

Did he feel Guardiola had given him a fair chance?

Hart replied: “That is gone. I am not part of that club at the moment.”

Ironically, his Irons debut will be back in Manchester today, at Old Trafford, and he is anticipating a hot reception, reserved for City players past and present.

Hart added: “I want to go up there and win, whatever side of Manchester it is or whatever side of the country it is.” Hart has been joined at the Hammers by two other Premier League title winners in Pablo Zabaleta, his old City team-mate, and Javier Hernandez, formerly with United. “Javier, he is a global brand,” said Hart. “He is a huge player. He was almost iconic at United. Pablo and I are like brothers. He came to City when we hadn’t won anything. He cost £6m, and, if you look today, that was a great deal.” Hart is also focused on keeping his gloves firmly on the England No.1 shirt. He added: “I have always said the standard of keepers in England is high. There are some great keepers and I don’t think that will change. But I want to stay England No.1.”