Former England 'keeper Hart joins Tottenham

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart says it feels like he is "starting again" after signing for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer on Tuesday admitting he had had a "difficult couple of years."

The 33-year-old signed a two-year contract with Spurs with the club reportedly agreeing to pay him £50 000 a week, the same as his wages in an unsuccessful spell with Burnley.

"We are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Hart on a contract until 2022," read a Spurs statement on their website.

Hart will compete with Paulo Gazzaniga to sit on the bench – and get the nod for either League Cup or Europa League ties – as understudy to France's World Cup winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, whose own form was far from consistent last season.

Hart reportedly excited interest form a variety of clubs ranging from newly-promoted Premier League side Leeds United to second tier Derby County and Scottish champions Celtic.

"There's no getting away from it it's been a difficult couple of years for me personally but I feel I've got so much to give," he told the club's website.

"I'm here to work as a team player, whether my name is on the team sheet or not it's a squad effort.

"I know what it takes to win titles and change a squad's dynamic for the better.

"I've got huge admiration for Hugo, one of the world's greatest goalkeepers.

"I feel like I'm starting again, I quite enjoy that feeling. My body is certainly ready."

Hart's fall from grace has been dramatic – set in train by Pep Guardiola's arrival as Manchester City manager on 2016.

Guardiola made clear Hart – who won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup with City – was not his type of goalkeeper and sent him on loan to Italian side Torino and then to West Ham.

Hart finally found a more permanent home with Burnley in 2018 but ended up as No 2 to Nick Pope last season.

Hart's international career suffered accordingly and he was not selected for the 2018 World Cup squad.

He has not added to his 75 caps – which included appearances at two European Championships (2012/16) and the 2014 World Cup finals – since November 2017.