Torino goalkeeper Joe Hart has explained that ex-Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira told him to make the move to Turin.

Although the 29-year-old revealed that 'he didn't have many options' at the time, he stressed that he wanted to enjoy his time with the Granata before thinking about the future.

"I'm honest, it all happened very quickly and I did not have too many options, the Englishman told La Stampa. "But I am very grateful to Toro because it gave me a solid opportunity."

Torino goalkeeper Joe Hart has explained that ex-Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira told him to make the move to Turin.

Although the 29-year-old revealed that 'he didn't have many options' at the time, he stressed that he wanted to enjoy his time with the Granata before thinking about the future.

"I'm honest, it all happened very quickly and I did not have too many options, the Englishman told La Stampa. "But I am very grateful to Toro because it gave me a solid opportunity."

"I grew up watching Italian football on TV, I had been to Turin before and it always seemed intriguing. I talked to people that I trust, like [Patrick] Vieira who knows the place.

“Vieira said ‘Go, you'll be fine there.’ He understood my situation, and knew that I needed to play for a serious team."

And what about the well-documented difficulties with new Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola?

"Some feelings are not suited to professional issues. But the fact that I am here means that there were no possible solutions.

"And I want to enjoy this season at Toro. I’m not thinking about the future."

What did Hart know about Toro before arriving?

"Its history, the grandeur of the past and that was it. Then I took it all in, I realized that Superga is a living memory even if the team were successful in the Forties.

"I've seen that Toro have recently been in the Europa League and Europe is a aim in which to focus on, and I have studied Mihajlovic, from his playing career.

Has being English made it difficult to fit into an Italian side?

"I know Italians who have perfectly integrated into the Premier League and personally I have not raised the issue. It’s up to me, not those who came before me."

Hart then talked about his previous working relationships with Italians.

"I'm proud of it. With [Roberto] Mancini at City we have had success, [Fabio] Capello chose me as England’s starting goalkeeper and certainly will not forget it."

Is he ready for his first Turin derby?

"It will be exciting, I know that the two clubs are respected and a rivalry like this excites me."

"We can do it in every game, but being able to beat them is important in order to get to that winning habit. This must start from Crotone. "

"Buffon? He’s one of my footballing heroes, one of the best in the world"

“He has everything, it’s impossible to choose one thing, but it’s his way of being the best, the way he owns the role. I mean … he's unique."

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