Wenger - Retirement is an option for Jens

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Arsène Wenger has revealed that Jens Lehmann may retire after the European Championships.

The German stopper, 38, was given a rapturous reception after the Gunners' defeat of Everton at Emirates Stadium last Sunday. Before the match, Wenger said he was ‘99 per cent’ sure Lehmann would seek pastures new next season.

That one per cent has now been made up, but Wenger thinks rather than embrace one final challenge, hanging up his boots is a realistic option for Lehmann. “Jens will go,” confirmed Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “But he doesn’t even know if he continues to play.

“He has indicated to me that he will make a decision after the European Championships and he will certainly be influenced by the way it goes.”

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jen will be remembered for life. :*(

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The Arsenal keeper will be a free agent in July when his contract at the North London club expires, but although the temptation to play on next season is there, the 38 year old has revealed his future is still uncertain.

"The situation is that I have no club from July 1" Lehmann said. "At the moment, that would mean I am retiring because I have no other club."

There has been reported interest from VfB Stuttgart as they seek a replacement for Raphael Schäfer and Lehmann has admitted he would relish a return to the Bundesliga.

"VfB are led seriously, have a good team which plays attractive football and, thus, a good coach" he said. "I have known Horst Heldt for 20 years and these are all arguments which would speak for joining them.

"Either I find a new club before we play against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on May 31, or I decide after the tournament.

"It could also be that a decision is taken after my holidays on July 25, but I am under no pressure."