ARSENAL shot stopper Jens Lehmann has admitted staying with the club to win trophies, writes James Randall.

The German number one, who has been dropped for Spanish understudy Manuel Almunia this season - told The Telegraph that he believes his team-mates can lift silverware this season.

He said: "Sometimes you have to accept it - even after I played a couple of games and was dropped again I was very close to leaving but I stayed for several reasons."

The keeper added: "There was the belief that I still can win something here and be part of it."

Lehmann - who rejected a January move to former club Borussia Dortmund - has only made four league appearances for The Gunners this season.

The 38-year-old German has made no secret of his unhappiness at watching his side from the bench, and hinted that he may retire after the summer European championships.

He continued: "I will play the European Championship and then it depends on whether I get a good offer.

"If I do (continue), I might play on another two years, and if not, I probably might retire."

With usual self-assurance the fans favourite admitted that he has no personal relationship with the man that replaced him between the sticks.

He added: "It's very difficult, very hard, particularly when I see the performances on the pitch. When you compete with some guys they can't separate the professional aspect from the personal.

"So there's no big friendship with Almunia but that does not worry me."