Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart has opened up about his relationship with Pep Guardiola and addressed speculation that he harbours any lingering resentment toward Manchester City, following the Spanish manager's public admission of regret over how Hart's time at the club ended.

Guardiola, who arrived at Manchester City in 2016, effectively ended Hart's career at the Etihad Stadium by leaving him out of his plans. The manager has since acknowledged that he regrets not giving the goalkeeper a genuine opportunity to prove himself under his new system.

Hart, however, appears to have taken the high road. Rather than expressing bitterness, the former City No. 1 reflected on the lasting impression Guardiola left on him — speaking of the manager in terms that suggest admiration rather than animosity.

No grudge held

Despite the painful nature of his exit from a club where he had been a central figure for years, Hart was clear that he does not carry a grudge. His departure led to loan spells and a nomadic period in his career, yet the goalkeeper appears to have processed that chapter with considerable perspective.

Guardiola's admission that he regrets not handing Hart a real chance under his management is a notable acknowledgement from a coach not commonly associated with public expressions of that kind. It adds further weight to Hart's decision to speak generously about the experience.

A complicated chapter

Hart spent the bulk of his professional career at Manchester City, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers and earning widespread recognition as England's first choice. His displacement under Guardiola marked one of the more striking managerial decisions of that era in English football.

His willingness to reflect openly — without rancour — on a period that effectively derailed his standing at the highest level speaks to a maturity that has defined his public persona since retirement.