Germany's Goalkeeper Lehmann Leaves Arsenal for Stuttgart
June 4, 2008
The 38-year-old, who had lost his regular place to Spanish keeper Manuel Almunia in Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger's setup, made the switch on a free transfer, and has been hired until the end of the coming season, the club said. Lehman had also been sought by VfL Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund, where he played from 1999 to 2003, but rejected offers from both clubs.
Lehmann has been regular German side keeper since replacing Oliver Kahn for the 2006 World Cup. He joined the national squad in Switzerland Tuesday, June 3, for European Championship preparations.
"I'm looking forward to VfB and the Bundesliga," Lehmann said, adding that his talks with the new club had been "very agreeable."
Dream candidate
Stuttgart's director of sport Horst Heldt said of the veteran keeper: "He fits our needs perfectly, and we're convinced he'll quickly become a key part of the team."
Stuttgart coach Armin Veh also expressed his delight in signing Lehmann, who has been the national goalkeeper since the 2006 World Cup.
"Jens was our preferred candidate from the very beginning," said Veh in a VfB statement. "His qualities are undisputed and the whole squad will benefit from his huge experience."
Before joining Arsenal in 2003, Lehmann played for Schalke 04 (1988-98), AC Milan (1998-99) and Borussia Dortmund (1999-2003).