Lehmann returns home with Stuttgart
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will return to the Bundesliga following UEFA EURO 2008™ after agreeing to join VfB Stuttgart on a free transfer from Arsenal FC.
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Free transfer
The 38-year-old is leaving Arsenal FC on a free transfer after five seasons, having lost his place to Manuel Almunia, and he tied up the Stuttgart move before linking up with the Germany squad. Lehmann, voted best goalkeeper at the 2006 UEFA Club Football Awards, said: "Discussions with the people at Stuttgart have been very good from the start. I am looking forward to playing for them and being back in the Bundesliga next season."
First choice
Lehmann previously made 329 Bundesliga appearances – and scored two goals – for FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund either side of a short spell at AC Milan. He won the 1997 UEFA Cup with Schalke, having helped them gain promotion in 1990/91, and the 2001/02 Bundesliga crown with Dortmund. At Arsenal he was part of the club's unbeaten 2003/04 Premier League triumph, their 2005 FA Cup win and the run to the 2006 UEFA Champions League final. Stuttgart coach Armin Veh said: "Jens Lehmann was our first choice for a goalkeeper from the very beginning. There is no questioning his quality and our whole team can benefit from the wealth of his experience."