Lehmann staying at Arsenal

Updated 11.12 Thu Apr 26 2007
Keywords: Arsene Wenger, Arsenal, Jens Lehmann

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has signed a one-year contract extension, according to reports in Germany.

The 37-year-old was thought to want a two-year extension, but in line with Arsenal's policy to players aged over 30 the German international was only offered the one-year deal.

"It is more important for me to be playing in the Champions League next season.I do not want to be sitting in front of the TV on Wednesdays thinking 'I could have been there'" - Jens Lehmann

Rumours suggested that Lehmann might return to his home country with Hertha Berlin reportedly interested in his signature.

But it appears the appeal of Champions League football was enough to convince Lehmann to stay at the Gunners. Hertha Berlin are currently seventh in the Bundesliga and unlikely to qualify for Europe's top competition.

Sent off in last year's final against Barcelona, Lehmann said: "It is more important for me to be playing in the Champions League next season. I do not want to be sitting in front of the TV on Wednesdays thinking 'I could have been there'."

Lehmann joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in 2003 and has established himself as one of the top keepers in Europe leading to him ousting Oliver Khan as Germany's number one for the World Cup last year.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.