Ex-England star explains tattoos that shocked Euro 2024 viewers
Joe Hart’s tattoos caught the eye on Euro 2024 punditry duty (Picture: X)
Joe Hart made his first appearance as a BBC pundit at Euro 2024 on Sunday night, but it was his ‘armour-like’ tattoos – rather than his pre-match analysis – that caught viewers’ eyes.
The former England goalkeeper was announced as a pundit for this summer’s tournament in Germany having hung up the gloves at the end of last season.
Hart featured on coverage prior to England’s narrow 1-0 win against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen but eagled-eyed viewers and fans on social media were more interested in the unusual tattoos on the former keeper’s arms.
The prominent inkwork is not a new addition for Hart, however, who actually first got the blackwork tattooing back in 2017.
Debuting the tattoo on Instagram, Hart said: ‘Great to go back to Shrewsbury and get some world class body art @hanumantra Awesome work.’
Over the years, the 37-year-old has gone back to get more work done with the artist, Hanumatra Lemar, with the tattoo now covering much of his right shoulder as well as parts of his right leg.
While conceding the tattoos are not to ‘everyone’s taste’, Hart says the inkwork ‘definitely represents me’
Hart’s tattoo covers more than just his forearm. (Picture: Instagram)
‘I got my armour on now… let’s see what’s next,’ he said in a later post.
According to his website, Hanumantra creates each tattoo exclusively for the individual, with clients said to travel around the world to receive the unique style of tattoo.
‘Blackwork is a tattoo choice, it’s a lifestyle and it’s a philosophy, believing that less really is more and understanding that we should not be afraid to stand out in world full of people trying to fit in,’ he adds on his website.
‘Every tattoo Hanumantra undertakes is exclusively created for the client. The time is taken to handcraft each individual design, conveying and amplifying the inner strength of spirit of the wearer.
‘This allows them to feel empowered and protected as though a layer of tattoo armour is placed upon them, creating a modern day warrior ready for today’s battles.’
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