Man City legend Weaver begs Pep to reconsider Hart option

Manchester City may be a vastly different club now to the one that Nicky Weaver represented between 1997 and 2007, but the retired shot-stopper insists his former club would be making a big mistake letting Joe Hart leave.

Weaver, 38, represented the blue half of Manchester 172 times in a ten-year stint at the club – long before the millions of pounds of investment arrived from Abu Dhabi in 2008.

But while City may be reaching heights unparalleled in the club’s history these days, Weaver believes manager Pep Guardiola is wrong to have ostracised Hart.

The Spanish manager sent the England No.1 out on loan to Torino for this season, bringing in Claudio Bravo, who he believes can play with his feet better to suit his style of play.

But Bravo’s calamitous performances this season have seen him dropped in occasion for Hart’s deputy last season, Willy Caballero.

And even though he admits it is unlikely, Weaver is adamant Guardiola should reconsider his verdict on Hart.

“I don’t think it was the right decision [to let him leave Manchester City],” he said.

“Personally, I think he’s the best goalkeeper that we’ve still got on the books.

“I’d love to see him back in the City shirt, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.

“Bravo’s come over. He’s obviously a good goalkeeper – fantastic with his feet – but for me, it’s about keeping the ball out the net.”