No Dortmund move for Jens
11 Jan 2008 - 17:01:49
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- No Dortmund move for Jens
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has decided not to move to Borussia Dortmund for personal reasons.
The 38-year-old Germany international has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium ever since he lost his place to Manuel Almunia earlier in the season and seemed certain to be heading back to the Bundesliga.
However, Lehmann said in a statement released through the German Football Association: "I've taken this decision for personal reasons."
Lehmann was concerned that his lack of first-team action would affect his chances of playing in the Euro 2008 finals, but Germany coach Joachim Loew said in a statement of his own: "A return to the Bundesliga would have been interesting.
"However, our attitude towards Jens Lehmann will not change because of his decision."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has earlier confirmed Lehmann would once again be on the substitute's bench for the Premier League clash with Birmingham City, but still wanted the German to remain with the club.
He had said: "The indication I can give is that I am happy if he stays because he is a guarantee and he is an important player in the squad like Gilberto.
"We have such a young squad that these players have a big weight in the dressing room and a big input in the team. I am happy if they stay."