Bernd Leno has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal and claims 'politics' was behind his summer departure.
The German joined Fulham last month in an £8million deal after four years at Emirates Stadium, in which he made 125 appearances across all competitions.
The 30-year-old was replaced as Mikel Arteta's No 1 goalkeeper by Aaron Ramsdale last season and made just eight appearances in 2021-22.
The Gunners then brought in Matt Turner to come in as No 2 this summer, and Leno appeared to hit out at the signing of the USA international as 'politics', making it clear he had to 'get out of here'.
'When I realised that it wasn't about performance or quality, I knew that I had to go,' Leno told SPORT BILD via Fussball Transfers.
'In preparation, I saw that it is not about performance, but only about politics. It was clear to me: I had to get out of here.'
Leno is now a No 1 goalkeeper once again in west London, having started the last four Premier League games for Marco Silva's men.
And the former Bayer Leverkusen man is now targeting a recall on the international scene and adding to his nine Germany caps with Hansi Flick's men, having not played for Die Mannschaft for 12 months.
'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 get the focus back on the national team.'
ziycinruz
0
You are not good at aerial balls and you take time for goal kicks
Ashikgunner123
1
Fellow Gunners, u should know the reason why Ramsdale is preferred than Leno. There are two reasons. 1. Arsenal philosophy to play from the back seems a little difficult for Leno. most times he prefers kicking out from the back. 2. Secondly, high balls has been Leno's problem even while in Leverkusen. his judgement with an arial kicks are poor. But let's not take it away from Leno, he's a better short stopper than any of our goal keepers, one of the best in the premier league. He hardly spills shots just like Martinez, their grips seems better than that of our current no1 Ramsdale.
underrated cmnt
tundeabodunde02
7
Fellow Gunners, u should know the reason why Ramsdale is preferred than Leno. There are two reasons. 1. Arsenal philosophy to play from the back seems a little difficult for Leno. most times he prefers kicking out from the back. 2. Secondly, high balls has been Leno's problem even while in Leverkusen. his judgement with an arial kicks are poor. But let's not take it away from Leno, he's a better short stopper than any of our goal keepers, one of the best in the premier league. He hardly spills shots just like Martinez, their grips seems better than that of our current no1 Ramsdale.
Waedelnopy
1
Leno is better kepper than ramsdale is just that arteta don't like him
Madakotyz
0
Arsenal made a mistake keeping you instead of keeping Martinez
Madcap_237
0
indeed ramsadale was better than him but why mikel didn't give him chance to be subs of Ramsadale instead he brings in another keeper🤔,now it's clear this was politics 😠
It isn't Politics It's simply business Ramsdale cannot be a sub Goalie n then he's earning so much as salary meanwhile there's a more cheaper option out there
Akorede41
0
I don't shaa, but leno didn't said he is better than Rams, but the way I understood with him was that, arsenal should keep him as second choice , instead to buy that American goalkeeper, and he was right it's not about performance, bcos he is by far better then ,the Matt Turner,, that was why he said it's politics. n to people like me he said the Truth, but one day we would came to realized that if arsenal started playing matt turner
Arsenal let him go because they can be keeping him as second goalie and earning that much, they rather go for a cheaper goal keeper. This is purely business and has nothing to do with politics.
Moacdknotu
3
It's not politics as you have observed, rather it's business consideration. You can't be earning high and still be second fiddle. So, it's better to go for someone who will be paid less and be a backup.
raynardblake
2
their is no doubt he is a very good goal keeper
Kacabdoryz
0
I don't shaa, but leno didn't said he is better than Rams, but the way I understood with him was that, arsenal should keep him as second choice , instead to buy that American goalkeeper, and he was right it's not about performance, bcos he is by far better then ,the Matt Turner,, that was why he said it's politics. n to people like me he said the Truth, but one day we would came to realized that if arsenal started playing matt turner
Nudaiklpu
3
indeed ramsadale was better than him but why mikel didn't give him chance to be subs of Ramsadale instead he brings in another keeper🤔,now it's clear this was politics 😠
Yutadnrtz
1
Leno z right
ShehuTutu
1
Whatever it is, you're gone already and I wish you the very best in West London.
Vaecimprst
5
Ramsdale is far better than Leno. I'll chose Rams a 1000 times over you. Ramsdale controls the defence whilst Leno always like a dumb in the sticks
Eniiz
0
Leno is my guy, ever. I'm still wondering how and why Arteta chose to bring in Matt Turner. what did he see that we ain't seeing? in the pre-season for instance, Turner made very silly and costly mistakes that if it were not for the team spirit - the winning mentality that the team had, then we hardly would have won any. for whatever reason I think it wasn't really a good idea to bring Matt Tuner to replace Leno, No
Turner was brought in, because the coach wanted to sell Leno and this was simply because, he doesn't want Leno to be warming the bench. I f Turner is not brought in, will Leno agreed to still be warming the bench and not having playing time?
Sosst
1
I dont know if it was politics but what ive been able to see is that ramsdale is just better💡He beat you out of that position,its that simple.I think leno is a very good player,His time at arsenal is over now.Time to move on,good luck brother
libeknopy
0
yiu a good goalie Leno, dont forget same politics made us loose Martinez cos of U, favoritism is always everywhere,... tho am still hurt till date of us loosing Martinez, u hardly can pick a better keeper as him in the epl today, tho Ramsdale is also good
Wonaenpsty
0
some people here read without understanding and just jump to comment.... please read ooooh.... English no be man yi friend
zesbdenop
0
leno is a great player still better than Ramsdale by far
Charlesugwu
1
Okay Lennon, save Fulham from the drop if you're good enough
muybcdiouz
0
Leno is my guy, ever. I'm still wondering how and why Arteta chose to bring in Matt Turner. what did he see that we ain't seeing? in the pre-season for instance, Turner made very silly and costly mistakes that if it were not for the team spirit - the winning mentality that the team had, then we hardly would have won any. for whatever reason I think it wasn't really a good idea to bring Matt Tuner to replace Leno, No
Jebadeilpz
0
Leno is a better keeper than the current arsenal keeper I think the team are playing better so I expect ramsdale to perform well too
Is Ramsdale not part of the team that is playing better?
Jobedking
0
forget the dark past and focus on ur bright future
Doddikrstu
0
why couldn't he prepare well? whether playing or not must prepare well and remain competitive
World Cup is coming up and he need to be playing games look at last season not even fa Cup or carling Cup just look at when he came in in a win against Aston villa last season he made a wonderful saves and won man of the match
Doddikrstu
1
He has a point in what he said because it has made us lose some good players under mikel arteta
Doddikrstu
0
Lol... Ramsdale is better than Leno. With Leno, it could have been worse. Leno would stick to his position and not rush out when needed. Leno would make exceptional saves and get beaten by a silly strike, Ramsdale do this as well. Leno isn't good with the ball and Ramsdale is better than him on the ball, Leno isn't a leader to control the backline and make corrections where necessary, Ramsdale does. U must be emotional if you prefer Leno to Ramsdale. I love his professionalism but he's cost us so much in the few years.
You are not an arsenal fan I guess because last 2 season ago when you had Luiz and mosterfy making errors each game and he alone made good saves to keep us at 8 position look into what he said there is a big truth in what he said was sedric better than belarin or was lokonga better than mathew gudinsy
Bemeiknst
2
He is still a top shot stopper and maybe better than ramsdale
zeccdiopu
0
Lol... Ramsdale is better than Leno. With Leno, it could have been worse. Leno would stick to his position and not rush out when needed. Leno would make exceptional saves and get beaten by a silly strike, Ramsdale do this as well. Leno isn't good with the ball and Ramsdale is better than him on the ball, Leno isn't a leader to control the backline and make corrections where necessary, Ramsdale does. U must be emotional if you prefer Leno to Ramsdale. I love his professionalism but he's cost us so much in the few years.
Well said.
ridoridwe
4
Lol... Ramsdale is better than Leno. With Leno, it could have been worse. Leno would stick to his position and not rush out when needed. Leno would make exceptional saves and get beaten by a silly strike, Ramsdale do this as well. Leno isn't good with the ball and Ramsdale is better than him on the ball, Leno isn't a leader to control the backline and make corrections where necessary, Ramsdale does. U must be emotional if you prefer Leno to Ramsdale. I love his professionalism but he's cost us so much in the few years.
Padcekmot
5
You’ll always be my #1. You’re one of the best. Keep improving
veuadmostu
1
thrue that, just be happy, that is what is needed
Hohabcpruz
5
Don't worry, Leno. You are a world class goalkeeper. The two Arsenal goalies are still a level below you. So, keep it up at Fulham.
Veucdkltyz
0
Leno is a better keeper than the current arsenal keeper I think the team are playing better so I expect ramsdale to perform well too
you are not just a club fan, you are a football fan too
Abdiwali06
4
I can agree with his words I am arsenal still this is my number 1 goalkeeper no matter what
Huwbdeilou
2
why couldn't he prepare well? whether playing or not must prepare well and remain competitive
Henreetee
2
imagine that's what Eric bailly meant when he said man u favor english players
Tfolandowski19
5
you have been professional Leno we love you but don't be like martinez
Yeddeoryz
2
there's always politics in EPL
N0_N0NsENSE
4
Be happy where you want. No point in talking about the past.
vuzabcrt
2
messi life is dynamic
ZicoAgaba
6
Leno is a better keeper than the current arsenal keeper I think the team are playing better so I expect ramsdale to perform well too
Jizdklmtz
5
Leno is better than Turner for sure but Ramsdale better than you Leno
Badhur
2
I agree with you Leno
Wemlmnoru
0
he was a better keeper than the current arsenal No.1
True
Tunde92
3
Forget politics,Ramsdale is better than you
Wecbdekmrs
2
he was a better keeper than the current arsenal No.1
Fisayomi123
1
good luck bro
fuckyoubonori
0
fuk politics if it involves in sport as well