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..
