Soccer-Hart joins Torino on season-long loan

Aug 31 (Reuters) - Torino have completed the signing of goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City on a season-long loan, both clubs confirmed on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old has been unable to secure a first-team place under new manager Pep Guardiola and has fallen down the pecking order behind 17 million pound ($22.33 million) signing Claudio Bravo and Willy Caballero.

The England goalkeeper said his career had reached a turning point. "It was a sign. Torino's offer came in the right moment, with the right manner. I am very excited to compare myself in an important and beautiful league such as Serie A," Hart told the club's website (www.torinofc.it).

Hart, who was also linked with a move to Sunderland, will become the first English goalkeeper to play in Serie A since the league began in 1929. He has won two league titles with City since joining from lower-division side Shrewsbury Town in 2006.

Torino thrashed Bologna 5-1 on Sunday in their latest league game and are seventh in the standings on three points, having conceded four goals in their two matches. ($1 = 0.7613 pounds) (Reporting by Ian Rodricks in Bengaluru,; Editing by Neville Dalton)