Lehmann, who kept goal
during the Invincibles' season of 2003/04 that saw the Gunners go
unbeaten throughout their league campaign, fell out of favour at the
beginning of last season after repeated blunders in the first few games.
His
appearances from then on were fleeting and his public criticisms of the
management and team-mates - particularly new first choice goalkeeper,
Manuel Almunia - were at times relentless.
It was inevitable he would leave the club this summer when his contract ran out and indeed it was just a matter
of whether he would, at 38 years of age, retire altogether or merely
end his five-year stay with Arsenal.
Being assured of his place
as first choice goalkeeper for Germany at Euro 2008 despite his lack of
match practice seemed to inspire him to decide on his future before
Euro 2008 - having said he would not make a final decision until after
- and he has now signed a one-year contract with Stuttgart.
German
management have revealed that his time with the national team will be
up after this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland, so while
it remains to be seen for how long he will remain stopping shots, it
seems nothing will stop him taking them.
"I experienced a lot of
disappointment and a kind of anger last season," said Lehmann. "Being
substitute annoys me, as did watching Arsenal waste all of their
chances to win the title.
"Arsene Wenger knows I have not been
happy with his decisions. But he knows I have learnt from him. I have
always felt drawn towards him. "Arsenal will remain a beautiful
experience in my life. Both on a sporting and personal level, I reached
the top there."
i certainly agree with him..
now then u know? and what they blame on? injuries, bad luck, ref decisions. all the lam pa excuses but never blame themselves for wasting chances.