MANCHESTER City have dedicated a goalkeeping training pitch at the City Football Academy (CFA) to Joe Hart.

The Clarets goalkeeper returns to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for the first time since his 12-year association with the club came to an end.

But Hart visited the CFA on Thursday as the club took the step of naming the pitch out of Hart, complete with a mosaic of the 31-year-old celebrating Sergio Aguero's dramatic 2012 title-winning goal.

"Having the goalkeeping pitch at the City Football Academy dedicated to me is a huge honour," said Hart. "Manchester City has been a huge part of my life and my career, and I’m immensely proud of what I and my teammates achieved in that period.

“There have been some incredible goalkeeping legends throughout Manchester City’s history, and I feel privileged that the Club has chosen to recognise me amongst that number.”

Hart left City in the summer to make the £4million switch to Turf Moor.

But in his time at the club he made 348 appearances and won two Premier League title, two League Cups and an FA Cup.

Hart was joined by fellow former keeper Alex Williams and club ambassador Mike Summerbee to unveil the mosaic and the pitch.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak will join Hart and his family after City’s Premier League meeting with Burnley, when he will present him with his own replica mosaic and lifetime season card.

Al Mukarak said: "It is truly fitting to mark Joe Hart’s outstanding contribution to Manchester City in such a visible way.

"During his 12 years with the club, Joe not only produced some incredible individual displays, but also celebrated great success as a member of the club’s most decorated team in decades.

"His Manchester City legacy is assured and it is hoped that this tribute will serve to inspire future generations of goalkeepers who train at the City Football Academy dreaming of replicating his remarkable career."

Clarets boss Sean Dyche added: "Everyone knows what a good servant he's been there. He's been a big part of what their recent history. He did very well for them. 

"It's good for him and a classy touch from them I think."