Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart has declared he will not be taking any cues from Roy Keane's brand of punditry, reflecting on comments made over a decade ago where the former Manchester United captain labelled him 'cocky' and 'arrogant'.
Hart, who is 38, retired from professional football last year and has swiftly transitioned into a broadcasting role, becoming a regular feature on BBC's Match of the Day.
From the Pitch to the Studio
Hart's illustrious playing career included a 12-year spell at Manchester City from 2006 to 2018. During this time, he was instrumental in the club's ascent, helping them secure their first two Premier League titles under managers Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini. His final two years with the club were spent on loan at Torino and West Ham before he eventually hung up his gloves.
The friction with Keane originated from a specific on-field incident. During a 2012 World Cup qualifier for England against Poland that finished 1-1, Hart made a costly error. This mistake prompted Keane, then working as a pundit, to publicly criticise the established Manchester City number one, claiming he had become 'cocky' and was 'relaxing too much' in goal.
A Determined New Approach to Punditry
Now fully committed to his new career in front of the camera, Hart is determined to adopt a different style. He aims to base his analysis strictly on facts, ensuring his personal views do not distort his judgement. He admits that Keane's sharp words from over ten years ago had a significant impact on him at the time.
In a revealing conversation on the In the Mixer podcast with former teammate Joleon Lescott, Hart defended his character as a player. 'I was really happy with how I behaved on the pitch,' he stated. 'I loved the relationships that I had with my teammates, and I loved the relationship I had with opponents – I never wanted to cross the line with anyone.'
He expressed bewilderment at being perceived as cocky, explaining, 'I loved playing football, so how on earth can that come across cocky? I don't know. I adored the game. That was probably the first bit of negative press I got. I'd been very much riding a wave.'
Taking a Swipe at Keane's Methods
Hart directly addressed Keane's punditry philosophy, contrasting it with his own. 'He's made it very clear that he just says things,' Hart commented, referencing a time he had worked with the Irishman. 'I was willing to work out what he was as a person. Was this something that he harboured deep inside him? He just says stuff. I doubt he wouldn't have been able to recall that moment. He don't care.'
In a clear swipe at Keane's approach, Hart emphasised the weight he places on his own new position. 'But I take huge responsibility in my new role. Huge responsibility,' he asserted. 'I know the impact of my words. I know the impact, especially now social media, I know how that can bring needless attention to someone who's minding their own business and going about.'
