Goalkeeper Craig Gordon leaves Celtic amid Hearts interest

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon has decided to leave Celtic while an offer from Hearts is still on the table.

The 37-year-old’s contract with the Premiership champions had expired and he has now rejected the chance to extend his stay at Parkhead.

Hearts have offered Gordon a two-year deal to return to the club.

The Scotland international goalkeeper said he is looking ahead to his next challenge in an emotional farewell to fans and teammates on his Instagram.

He wrote: “Six League Titles. Five League Cups. Three Scottish Cups.

“The last six years have been the most successful period of my professional career, and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in making this possible.

“The club, for initially taking a chance on someone who hadn’t played in nearly three years. And to Woodsy for encouraging me to make the move in the first place, and for training me ridiculously hard ever since.

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“I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside some brilliant team-mates – who without, my time at the club would have been very different.

“The fans, for their support. Home, away… all over the world. Thank you.

“My family, who have been there through it all. The ups and downs, the miles, the sacrifices, the celebrations. I hope I’ve made them proud.

“At 37, and with a few years in me yet, I just want to play the game I love, and have played for 20+ professional seasons.

“Football can make for difficult decisions, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter and challenge.”