The England goalkeeper was recalled by manager Pep Guardiola after three games on the bench as City went through the motions against Steaua Bucharest to claim their place in the Champions League group stage.
Two-time title-winner Hart was hailed by fans throughout the 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium - which secured a 6-0 aggregate success - with numerous chants, ovations and a banner.
At full-time he gave the thumbs-up to all sides of the ground and applauded the crowd, but whether that proves a farewell remains to be seen.
Hart's future has been the subject of intense speculation with Willy Caballero first taking his place and the club now poised to sign Claudio Bravo from Barcelona.
superfly mercurial pink women Hart told BT Sport: "We all know there's a situation going on but I feel that inside, outside of all the circus, we are handling it well as a good team with a good management staff. It was a special night for us and it was a really nice night for me.
"We've got a top manager that the club's wanted for a long, long time and he's going to have his opinion on things."
women magista obra Asked if he might be leaving the club, the 29-year-old said: "That's not for me to say; it is what it is."
Hart paid tribute to the City fans, who ran through a long medley of songs dedicated to the keeper in the second half.
women ace 16+ purecontrol He said: "This is a special place for me, there's never been any secret made of that. Tonight was really nice and I really appreciate the people at Manchester City and it turns out they appreciate me."
Guardiola was pleased with the performance of Hart but defended his right to make tough decisions.
The Spaniard said: "Joe is still a player of us. I am so happy with what he did.
"I know he is a legend for this club. I know part of what the club has become - one of the reasons is Joe. They won the Premier League, the cup. He helped to make this team one step above. I am so happy how the people treat him and love him.
"But I am here to take decisions. I make a lot of mistakes - my decisions as a coach are sometimes good, sometimes bad, but I take decisions.
women superfly mercurial v "I try to be honest with myself. I can't deny what I feel. I was honest with Joe, the club and all the players in the squad. The people must follow me."
Away from the Hart issue, City have achieved their chief aim for the first month of the season in gaining Champions League qualification.
Guardiola said: "We are ready for the Champions League. These players and club deserve it.
"It was not easy with 10 players behind the ball but in the second half we adjusted and attacked much better. The spirit was amazing. Now is a day to celebrate our qualification for the Champions League."
superfly mercurial women Steaua, thrashed in the first leg in the Romanian capital last week, offered little in a drab contest but coach Laurentiu Reghecampf hopes lessons are learned.
He said: "We were more organised but the difference was the hugely valuable players City have.
"It was a beautiful experience for us. We have lots to learn. We have met one of the most powerful teams in Europe and I hope we will have a better route in the Europa League."
