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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responds to Bernd Leno after goalkeeper's surprise comments
MIKEL ARTETA has responded to former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno's recent comments.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits he is surprised at Bernd Leno's comments about his Gunners departure. Leno has claimed he had to leave the Emirates due to the "politics" at the club.
The goalkeeper lost his place as the first-choice stopper at Arsenal three games into last season. Arteta's side lost those three games and summer signing Aaron Ramsdale came into the team.
Ramsdale played all but one of the remaining 35 league matches, with Leno mostly limited to cup action. Leno was linked with an exit in January but stuck around until the summer.
The 30-year-old moved to Fulham in August and has already played against his former side, going down 2-1 at the Emirates. Arsenal supporters felt Leno left on good terms but he clearly views it differently.
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He hinted selection was not down to performance but was instead because of politics. Speaking to German outlet Bild, Leno said: "When I realised that it wasn't about performance or quality, I knew I had to go.
"During the preparation, I saw that it's not about performance, it's just about politics. It was clear to me: I have to get out of here."
Arteta was asked about Leno's comments at his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday's Europa League opener against FC Zurich. And the Spaniard was clearly shocked at what his former No 1 had to say.
Arteta said: "I’m really surprised and I don't know if he’s talking about the politics when he was starting every match or when he wasn’t playing. Really surprised about it."
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Leno joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018. He made 125 appearances for the north London club after ousting Petr Cech as the No 1 in his first season in the Premier League.
However, his desire to be a part of the Germany World Cup squad has ultimately seen him move on. Leno has won nine caps for his country since making his debut in 2016.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be without Emile Smith Rowe for Thursday's match in Zurich. The England international has suffered some discomfort in his groin, which has kept him out of training this week.
Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Cedric Soares and Reiss Nelson have also not travelled due to injury. Everton are the visitors to the Emirates on Sunday in Arsenal's next Premier League match.
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