Bernd Leno, the German goalkeeper who left Arsenal, made controversial comments about his departure from the club. Instead of the performance on the field, the former striker claimed that the “politics” were attributed to his exodus from the Emirates Stadium.
“When I realized it wasn’t about performance or quality, I knew I had to go,” Leno explained during an interview with German newspaper Sport Bild. “During the preparation, I saw that it is not about performance. It’s just about politics. It was clear to me: I have to get out of here.”
As for politics, Ramsdale is the English goalkeeper who came for a hefty price from Sheffield United. Comparatively, Leno is German and therefore not highly valued in the English Premier League, regardless of his performance. That is, at least, Leno’s argument.
Bernd Leno leaving Arsenal
Leno spent the 2021/22 season at Arsenal as a backup to Aaron Ramsdale. In the summer of 2021, Arsenal acquired the goalkeeper from Sheffield United in a deal worth around $30 million. After a struggle to start the season, Ramsdale dethroned Leno for the number 1 role between the sticks in Mikel Arteta’s side. The reasoning, at least from the outside looking in, was the way the two goalkeepers played from behind.
With Ramsdale securing that spot, Arsenal sold Leno to Fulham for a reported fee of around $4 million in early August. With Bernd Leno leaving Arsenal, USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner has arrived to serve as Ramsdale’s primary backup for the current campaign.
“The most important thing for me is to find my rhythm again,” Leno also stated. “Especially after I couldn’t really train properly at Arsenal and I had no preparation. It’s up to me to focus on the national team again.”
The German isn’t the only Gunners goalkeeper to make headlines about his former team. Emi Martínez, now with Aston Villa, made multiple comments regarding his departure from Arsenal. The Argentina international has previously stated that Villa “was a step up” from Arsenal and that he left north London mainly because he was not trusted for the job.
current season
In four Premier League starts for the Cottagers this season, Leno has allowed seven goals. Fulham’s start to the season featured games against Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and Brighton. Despite the challenge, the club has two respectable wins, two draws and two losses in the middle of the EPL table. Arsenal have also had a good start to the campaign, with five wins and just one loss.
Fulham host London club Chelsea on Saturday, while Arsenal have a midweek encounter with Zurich before taking on Everton.
PHOTO: IMAGO/PA Images
