Lehmann's Bayern revelation

Jens Lehmann has revealed that playing for Bayern Munich is an option.

Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann has revealed that ending his career with Bayern Munich would be a viable alternative to remaining at Highbury.

The Germany international is settled in North London but admits his family will move to Munich one day, as his fierce battle with Oliver Kahn continues unabated.

With his mind focused on helping The Gunners achieve even more success and playing at the 2006 World Cup finals, the 34-year-old has clear goals in mind.

When asked for his opinion on Kahn's decision to keep playing for Bayern until 2008, Lehmann told Kicker: "Shame - I wanted to play for Bayern for one or two years after 2006.

"I'm only half-joking. My family will settle in the Munich area sooner or later.

"I've always enjoyed playing in Die Bundesliga, so why not for Bayern?

"There are a lot of options open to me.

"I would also like to extend my contract with Arsenal and end my career here. The Premiership is the most lively league around at the moment."

Any determination to play for Bayern would only increase the rivalry between the former Milan man and Kahn.

"Yes, definitely (it's the case that Kahn no longer being Germany captain has improved his situation)," he added. "As the captain should always play.

"A goalkeeper as captain isn't the optimal solution anyway. But it was bad for me having to compete with someone who has a 40-50 percent bonus from the fact that he's captain.

"I am up against Kahn the legend (rather than Kahn the goalkeeper). But I mustn't fight someone - I have earned a place in the team in the coming years as a result of my performances. My experience means I'm at the height of my ability now.

"Of course I want to play. The most important thing for me is that I get a fair chance.

"On the pitch, I've got a great chance but I don't have the lobby off it because I play abroad here for Arsenal. Yet I'm still convinced that I'll be in goal for the 2006 World Cup.

"Last season was my best ever and so it was a huge disappointment not to have played at Euro 2004. But I'm not so disappointed that I'm prepared to quit.

"As long as I stay as fit as I am now, I'm sure I'll be playing in 2006."

Lehmann also had some harsh words for Jurgen Klinsmann's goalkeeping coach with the national team, the legendary Sepp Maier.

"There would have been one Kahn-fan less (if Maier had left)," he exclaimed. "I like Sepp and we get on fine away from the pitch but some of the things he says about football are rubbish.

"He works with Kahn at Bayern every day but it doesn't really interest me what other people say."