Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, whose penalty save set up Arsenal's FA Cup win on Saturday, shrugged off suggestions he was a hero and said was confident about his position at the club.
Lehmann, who also made a string of fine saves during the goalless final, has had a tough second year at Highbury, losing his place to Spaniard Manuel Almunia in mid-season when he was heavily criticised following a series of blunders.
Although not voted man of the match at the Millennium Stadium, Lehmann kept out a dominant Manchester United side on several occasions before Arsenal won the game 5-4 on penalties.
"I don't feel like a hero," the German international told reporters after his save from Paul Scholes's penalty, United's second in the shootout.
"I did my job. I really wanted to win the cup and for that I had to make some saves but the whole team defended well," he said.
"I'm here (at Arsenal) to win some trophies. Last season we won the (Premier League) championship.
"Every season I have disappointments and bright moments, but this season hasn't done me badly," he said.
"I wanted to win the FA Cup already in January and did everything I could for that."
Lehmann said there was only one answer to criticism.
"I never feel safe, I just have to perform and if I do it well I will play," he said.
He said there had never been a chance of him leaving Arsenal following suggestions he was concerned at a lack of regular first-team football with his country hosting the World Cup next year.
"I will be here next season. (Manager Arsene Wenger) is very satisfied with the way I'm doing."
Wenger praised his goalkeeper.
"He had a difficult middle of the season but he finished very well in the last 15 games and today he had an outstanding game," Wenger said.
"He's a winner, Jens, and he has the experience and that helped certainly. He did well on Scholes's penalty."
© 2024 Rediff.com -