‘It was clear to me: I have to get out of here’: Bernd Leno takes aim at Arsenal and claims his summer departure was down to ‘politics’… Fulham goalkeeper insists his departure was not ‘about performance or quality’
- Bernd Leno joined Fulham in the summer from Arsenal for £8million
- The German goalkeeper was replaced by Aaron Ramsdale as No. 1 last season
- The Gunners then brought in US international Matt Turner earlier in the summer
- Leno has now lashed out at Gunners, saying the exit was “not about performance”.
Bernd Leno has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal, claiming “politics” were behind his departure in the summer.
The German joined Fulham in an £8million deal last month after four years at the Emirates Stadium, where he made 125 appearances in all competitions.
The 30-year-old was replaced by Aaron Ramsdale as Mikel Arteta’s No. 1 goalkeeper last season and only made eight appearances in 2021-22.
Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno claims ‘politics’ were behind his summer move to Fulham
The German (back) was replaced by Aaron Ramsdale (front) as the Gunners’ No. 1 last season
The Gunners then brought in Matt Turner as their No. 2 this summer, and Leno appeared to hit out at the US international’s signing as a “politician,” making it clear he needed to “get out of here.”
“Once I realized it wasn’t about performance or quality, I knew I had to go,” said Leno SPORT IMAGE above football transfers.
“I saw in the preparation that it’s not about performance, it’s just about politics. It was clear to me: I have to get out of here.”
Mikel Arteta (R) then saw a new No.2 join his Arsenal squad in the form of Matt Turner (L).
Leno is now a No1 goalkeeper again in west London, having started for Marco Silva’s men in the last four Premier League games.
And the former Bayer Leverkusen player is now seeking a recall on the international stage, adding to his nine caps with Hansi Flick’s men after twelve months without playing for the side.
“The most important thing for me is to find my rhythm again,” he added.
“Especially after I wasn’t actually able to train properly at Arsenal and had no preparation. It’s up to me to bring the focus back to the national team.”
He is now targeting a recall on the international scene and adding to his nine caps for Germany
