Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has finally disclosed what he did in the aftermath of his sending off during the North London side’s 2-1 loss to Spanish giants Barcelona in the 2006 UEFA Champions League (UCL) final.

Lehmann was given his marching orders in the 18th minute and that eventually had a huge impact on Arsenal’s output as their 10 men failed to hold on against Frank Rijkaard despite taking the lead through Sol Campbell.

The former Germany international goalkeeper revealed details of what he did after his sending off in his new autobiography ‘The Madness is on the Pitch’. Lehmann wrote:

“Four minutes past nine, the infamous moment had come: Ronaldinho played his pass, Eto’o began to run, Lehmann grasped, [referee Terje] Hauge blew his whistle.

“Following the dismissal, I slunk into the dressing room to put on a clean shirt. What was I to do now? For a few minutes, I sat around, irresolute, before climbing up the steps to the stands.

“I bumped into Sir Alex Ferguson, who stared at me wide-eyed, as if he had seen Lucifer himself. ‘Bad luck,’ I said with a shrug, continuing on my way.

“When I had eventually found a seat, I was joined by Lasse and Mats [his children], who had been sitting with my wife and brother. I pulled them onto my lap and finally began to tear up.

“There is no apt description nor any solace for this moment, in which all aims, hopes and ambition of the previous months disappear in a black hole of disappointment.

“I suspected I would never again be part of a Champions League final but did not let the thought get to me at all.” he further added.