Lehmann ready to play second division to keep Euro hopes alive

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, seen here on 13 October, has admitted he was ready to leave Arsenal this winter and play for a second division side in order to preserve his place in the national team ahead of Euro 2008.

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admitted Monday he was ready to leave Arsenal this winter and play for a second division side in order to preserve his place in the national team ahead of Euro 2008.

The 38-year-old made a string of errors for the Premier League side at the start of the season before achilles tendon and elbow injuries saw him lose his place at Arsenal to Spaniard Manuel Almunia.

"The Bundesliga is always attractive and is an option, and maybe the German second division is too," the 38-year-old told Kicker magazine. "In any case I want to play at Euro 2008. Playing there has always been my aim."

German coach Joachim Low has reiterated that he still considers Lehmann as his first choice keeper, but has said that they will have to sit down to discuss things at the end of the year.

"Given what the Germany coach says, I will have to see how things are in December," said Lehmann, who has not given up hope of regaining his place from Almunia.

"The situation is as it is. It is only important what the manager decides and I am using this phase to train intensively every day. The manager knows I am highly motivated. I would like to play again soon and expect that I will do.

"I would be very surprised if that was not the case."