One Last Stand for Lehmann
Jens Lehmann will live his dream one last time for both Arsenal and Germany by playing his last year as a professional footballer on Arsenal and helping Germany in Euro 2008.
He had a spectacular and memorable experience in World Cup Germany 2006 being chosen as their number 1 goalie and painfully seeing Oliver sit on the bench while he helped his team almost reach the Finals. Some of his highlights include stopping Argentina during penalty shots and making great and difficult saves against Italy even though they were defeated on a shot by Fabio Grosso. If it wasn’t for Jens spectacular play Italy could have won with two more goals.
Jens has slowly climbed his way to the elite ranks from lower leagues and being a second option on the German side, to a successful career over at Arsenal and being chosen as his country’s number option. His continously remained humble despite his rising stack as he admits he was surprised in replacing Oliver Kahn and did not think he was even qualified for the job to begin with.
We will be seeing him for at most two more years unless injury hits him, but no one would want that to happen other than his opponents, probably.
As Jens would put it: At the age of 36, I have the European Championships ahead of me in two years and that is what I am working up to.
Afterwards I think that will be it, both with the national team and as a professional footballer.
Lehmann still has a year to run on his contract with the Gunners, but has hinted this could be his last season in London.
We will have to see how the season goes, whether I extend with Arsenal or not. I would still like to play another season in Germany.
We are looking forward for a memorable ending, make it happen Jens.