Lehmann rubbishes quit talk
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has rubbished claims he intends to
retire after Euro 2008.
The German international's future has been the subject of much
speculation, with the player locked in contract talks with The
Gunners.
Lehmann, 37, remains hopeful of securing a new two-year deal, but
even if he fails to get his wish, talk of him hanging up his boots
is premature.
A return to the Bundesliga has been mooted, while Sevilla continue
to admire the temperamental star.
"I have never mentioned I will retire after the Euros in 2008,"
Lehmann told Arsenal TV Online.
"What I said was I would likely retire from the national team - but
I could also have said I would be likely to go on, which then says
nothing.
"If I can keep fit, like I am now, then I can go on and on and on -
two years at least.
"At 37, you cannot really make big steps of improvement, you always
have to maintain.
"If I can maintain that and possibly slightly improve my level,
then that would be good."
Meanwhile free-scoring midfielder Gilberto has revelled in his role
of captain in the absence of Thierry Henry.
The previously unheralded Gilberto has scored six times in his last
eight appearances for The Gunners.
"I do not know if the captaincy has made a difference, but I have
enjoyed scoring goals," said Gilberto.
"Most of the time I stand in front of the defenders, doing the hard
job, holding the midfield and stopping them playing out of defence,
so I normally do not have many chances."
