Van Persie spent a large portion of last season out due to
injury, with Lehmann also spending most of the campaign on the
sidelines, with his outspoken protests playing no small part in his
eventual departure.
The 38-year-old left the Emirates Stadium at the end of his
contract and joined VfB Stuttgart on a free transfer shortly before
Euro 2008, in which he was a losing finalist with Germany.
Lehmann will now make his debut for Stuttgart against his old club
and van Persie this evening. "I am hoping to play so we will see
what it brings," said the Dutch forward.
"Jens a fantastic goalkeeper. He is almost 39 but he is still a
fantastic goalkeeper and a nice man as well.
"He has lots of humour so I always have a good laugh with him, and
I am happy he is still in the game because he's a real
professional.
"It's good fun to see him and I hope I get the chance to score many
goals against him like I did in training!"
Almunia's feeling
Almunia, the man who took Lehmann's spot and publicly feuded
with him for months as a result, now only has praise for the
eccentric German. "Jens was always a very competitive goalkeeper
who always wanted to win and play. I have much respect for him,"
said the Spaniard, who is considering the possibility of becoming a
naturalised Englishman to represent the Three Lions.
He explained that, in the post-Lehmann world, life is harmonious
between the Gunners' three keepers. "As for [Lukasz] Fabianski and
[Vito] Mannone, we are working very well together, we have a very
good relationship," he revealed. "We are three very nice guys and
we try to work every day for ourselves and for the team of
course.
"Also [goalkeeping coach] Gerry Peyton is very easy to work with
and at the moment I am enjoying training.
"Lukasz and Vito have both improved because they are young and they
have room to improve and become great goalkeepers.
"As one of the oldest players in the team I will try to help them
and the other young players."
Diaby's feel
Meanwhile Abou Diaby, who has been touted to fill the void left
by Mathieu Flamini after he left for Milan on a free transfer this
summer, has full faith in the side currently assembled at the club.
"It's good, we came here to prepare well," he told the club's
official website.
"It is 10 days together and we have built the foundation for the
season ahead. We are prepared and we have tried to work a lot, to
practise our best game. It has been good for us."
