‘I had to get out’ – Bernd Leno launches stinging blast at Arsenal for transfer exit due to ‘politics not performances’

BERND Leno has launched a stinging attack on Arsenal as he explained he left the club due to “politics not performances.”

The goalkeeper left the club this summer for Fulham after 4 years at the Emirates.

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He only made 8 appearances for the Gunners as he lost his first team place to Aaron Ramsdale.

Arsenal also brought in American stopper Matt Turner in during the transfer window as Leno’s place in the squad appeared more uncertain.

Now a regular starter at Craven Cottage, the keeper did not hold back when he explained why he left the club.

He told Sport Bild via Fussball Transfers: “When I realised that it wasn’t about performance or quality, I knew that I had to go.

“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.

“The most important thing for me is to find my rhythm again.

“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.”

Leno has started all 4 games for Fulham this season as the newly-promoted club have enjoyed a surprisingly good start to the season.

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An opening weekend 2-2 draw with Liverpool was also followed by wins at home against Brentford and Brighton.

Leno did return to the Emirates only weeks after leaving as Fulham took the lead but lost to Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta had earlier played down Leno’s move when the transfer happened and said it was only due to the 30-year-old not getting regular football.

He said last month: “For Bernd at the end, it was just a professional relationship that he wanted to sustain because he’s a player that for the past 11 years has always started games and he’s so used to it.

“He’s an international player but then I spoke to him last night.

“It’s a man who will be remembered here and it’s been a privilege to work with him, but in football you have to make decisions and try to get the best out of your players to play the way you want to play, and Bernd has found a move that he and his family are really happy with, and we wish him all the best.”