Source: Xinhua
06-05-2008 13:24
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsVIENNA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- German national football squad goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will leave Premier club Arsenal to play for Germany's VfB Stuttgart in the upcoming season, it was revealed on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old, who had lost his regular place to Spanish keeper Manuel Almunia in Arsenal, made the switch on a free transfer, and has been hired until the end of the coming season, the Bundesliga club said.
"I'm looking forward to VfB and the Bundesliga," Lehmann said, adding that his talks with the new club had been "very agreeable."
"Jens was our preferred candidate from the very beginning," Stuttgart coach Armin Veh said in a statement.
"His qualities are undisputed and the whole squad will benefit from his huge experience," he added.
Lehmann, the first-choice goalkeeper of German team for Euro 2008 football championships, had also been sought by VfL Wolfsburgand Borussia Dortmund, where he played from 1999 to 2003, but he rejected offers from both Bundesliga clubs.
Lehmann has been regular German side keeper since replacing Oliver Kahn for the 2006 World Cup.
Before joining Arsenal in 2003, Lehmann played for Schalke 04 (1988-98), AC Milan (1998-99) and Borussia Dortmund (1999-2003).
Editor:Zhang Ning
