Jens Lehmann will look back on his five years at Arsenal with pride, but always holds a sense of regret over the 2006 Champions League final.The veteran German - signed from Borussia Dortmund in July 2003 and out of contract in the summer - was given the chance for an emotional farewell to the Arsenal fans when he replaced young Pole Lukasz Fabianski for the final 20 minutes of the 1-0 win against Everton on Sunday.
Despite having fallen down the pecking order this season, with Manuel Almunia now the regular number one, Lehmann, 38, has been a good servant to the Gunners.
The big German was part of the 'Invincibles' side that won their last league title in 2003/2004 and also set a new record for consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League, at 10 stretching back to March 2005, en route to the final three years ago - including a dramatic stoppage-time penalty save in the semi-final away to Villarreal.
However, disaster struck after only 18 minutes against Barcelona in Paris when the German was shown a red card for a professional foul after bringing down Samuel Eto'o and the 10-man Gunners went on to eventually lose 2-1.
Defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the second round the following season put paid to Lehmann's hopes of a chance to make swift amends last year, before he found himself out of favour in the current campaign.
Although the German did return to keep a clean sheet in the first leg of their quarter-final tie against holders AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on February 20 because of illness to Almunia, it was not to be the start of a regular run in the team again as the Gunners eventually were knocked out by Premier League rivals Liverpool - much to his dismay.
"By the time we left the final I was very upset, and disappointed - and you don't realise, particularly me, that might have been my last chance," Lehmann said.
"I was desperate this season to get there again.
"We were a little bit unlucky getting knocked out of the competition by Liverpool, and unfortunately I do not have the chance to make it good again."
Lehmann revealed the farewell appearance had been pre-planned, but was still an emotional experience nevertheless.
"The boss told me before he planned to get me on," said the German. "It was a very warm welcome on the pitch
"I had one or two tears in my eyes, it was a great farewell for me and this will always stay in my heart."
Despite not ending how he wanted to, Lehmann has enjoyed his time in England with Arsenal.
"In terms of life, of learning something about football, in terms of being part of a team which is playing probably the most attractive football, it was really good," he said.
"In the first two years we won something, unfortunately in the third year we were very close to winning the Champions League, but failed in the end.
"But, I said before, there are more memories than only just playing, the reception of the supporters, the respectful kindness of the supporters."
Arsenal looked well set to add a first championship in four years this season, having led the Premier League until the end of February, when both their title challenge and European ambitions faded away.
Lehmann, though, insists this squad have the ability to write their own chapter in the club's illustrious history.
He said: "They have got talent, like no other probably, and that's always an ingredient to be successful - and it comes sooner or later, we hope."
As for his own future, Lehmann - who turned down the chance to rejoin former club Dortmund during the January transfer window - will reflect on that after this summer's European Championships.
He said: "There
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