Arteta responds to Leno's claims that Arsenal exit forced by politics
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno suggested he was forced to leave Arsenal due to politics rather than performances.
The Germany goalkeeper left
Arsenalthis summer after a four-year stay to join fellow Premier League side Fulham.
"When I realized that it wasn't about performance or quality, I knew I had to go,"
Lenotold German newspaper Sport Bild.
"During the preparation, I saw that it's not about performance, it's just about politics. It was clear to me: I have to get out of here."
Arteta ahead of Arsenal's Europa League clash at Zurich on Thursday was asked about Leno’s comments.
"I'm really surprised and I don't know if he's talking about the politics when he was starting every match or when he wasn't playing,"
the Arsenal manager said.
"Really surprised about it.”
Arteta also said the Europe League will offer other players a chance to show their quality.
"Hopefully you're going to see a lot more of him in the next few weeks and I'm sure you're going to enjoy it,"
Arteta said before confirming the Gunners will be without Emile Smith Rowe due to injury.
"Emile felt some discomfort again in an area that he's been dealing with now for a few weeks. He hasn't trained in the last few days so he's out of the squad."
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