Craig Gordon leaves Celtic with Hearts deal still on the table

Craig Gordon is leaving Celtic and has an offer from Hearts.

Craig Gordon has left Celtic after rejecting a new contract as Hearts await an answer on whether he will return to Tynecastle Park.

The Scotland international goalkeeper said he is looking ahead to his next challenge after six years in the east end of Glasgow.

Celtic proposed a new deal on vastly reduced terms but Gordon confirmed on social media that he is moving on.

Hearts’ offer of a two-year contract remains on the table. It includes the option of a further 12-month extension and the possibility of coaching duties.

The 37-year-old is now mulling over his options with clubs in England also interested.

“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,” he said in a post on Instagram.

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

“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 throughout 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.”

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Saturday, Gordon confirmed his next move should be decided soon and that Hearts are in the running for his signature.

“They [Hearts] are definitely a club I’ve been speaking to, but there have been a few,” he said.

“I’m very happy with the way everything has gone in the last few days and I’m hopeful that within the next week or so something will be organised.”

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