Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has said he could extend
his playing career to take in the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, when
he will be 40.
The veteran Germany international, whose short-term future hangs in the
balance after his refusal to accept Arsenal's offer of a new one-year
deal, is keen to prolong his career, and sees no immediate heirs to his
place in goal in Joachim Loew's side.
"I haven't set myself any particular date [for retirement],"
he told German daily Bild.
"Theoretically, even the World Cup in 2010 is possible. That depends
on whether I can manage it physically."
A new generation of goalkeepers has emerged in Germany this season, with
Manuel Neuer displacing Frank Rost with a series of commanding performances
at Schalke, and Rene Adler coming through at Bayer Leverkusen.
"They are certainly goalkeepers with big futures, but first of all
they should play through an entire season," Lehmann added.
