The shot-stopper spent two years out on loan before finally sealing a permanent move away from City, as Claudio Bravo and Ederson were preferred
Pep Guardiola has admitted that he may have erred in releasing goalkeeper Joe Hart at the start of his tenure at Manchester City.
The former England No.1 was declared surplus to requirements in 2016 when Pep arrived at the Etihad Stadium, with Claudio Bravo drafted in from Barcelona to replace him.
While Bravo has endured mixed fortunes at City and ultimately lost his place to Brazil’s Ederson, Hart endured a difficult loan spell with Torino in Serie A before moving to West Ham and later Burnley.
Now, as Hart prepares for an emotional Etihad reunion in the colours of his new club, Pep recognises that releasing the shot-stopper was not an easy decision.
“I know how tough it was for the fans, for the people. He was an incredible keeper and had incredible results here in the club,” he told reporters.
“That’s why it was not easy for me, to take a decision.
“I’m not always taking decisions that are right. I have made in my career good decisions and very bad decisions, but you have to take it in the right moment and at the right time.
“Sometimes I took it and afterwards I’ve regretted. That’s what it is – that happens.”
Still a popular figure at the club at which he spent a decade, Hart is set to receive a rousing reception on Saturday.
Prior to the match City confirmed that a training pitch at the club’s academy will carry his name, with a presentation planned ahead of kick-off.
“I think there is no doubt how important he was and is. Tomorrow you will see how people appreciate what he has done for this club,” Pep added.
“Normally the player thinks of himself, himself, himself – it’s not easy – but he put himself a little bit in my position and said he understood perfectly. That’s why I appreciate a lot his behaviour.”
Hart made a total of 348 appearances for City, having moved to the club from League Two side Shrewsbury while still a teenager.
He has been ever-present in the Premier League for Burnley this season, helping the Clarets to two wins and two draws in their first eight outings.