EXCLUSIVE: Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno on ageless Willian and why Arsenal's Amazon documentary was not 'reality'

The German goalkeeper has embraced a fresh start at Fulham this season, having been sold by Arsenal last summer after four years at the Emirates Stadium.

Fulham have been one of the surprise packages of the campaign after winning promotion from the Championship, rising to tenth in the Premier League standings after 28 games, and they still have an outside chance of qualifying for Europe.

Leno has played a vital role in their success under Marco Silva, getting back between the sticks as a first-choice goalkeeper after a frustrating final year at Arsenal.

Aaron Ramsdale moved ahead of Leno in the pecking order as Mikel Arteta deemed the Englishman a better fit for his progressive style of play, with the Germany international forced into the background during Amazon's All or Nothing documentary on the club's 2021-22 season as a result.

The show received rave reviews as fans were able to get an insight into the Gunners' dressing room during their push for a top-four finish, but Leno claims that it didn't paint an accurate picture.

The Fulham keeper has told GOAL of his experience in front of the camera: "I was there. You know, it's nice for the fans and for the people to see everything. But at the end of the day, I have to say this is not the reality. Some things were not 100% true.

"This season there were also a lot of problems with some players and everything. And when you were inside and then you watched the documentary and then you see like I think, no, I'm not sure about that.

"But I think that's part of the commercial stuff."

BERND LENO ARSENALGetty Images

Leno doesn't harbour any bitterness towards Arsenal over the way his career at the Emirates ended, though, as he added: "I had four great years at Arsenal. I still have a lot of friends in the team and I had a very good connection with the fans. Even in difficult moments. They supported me. Even now, when I go to the city, a lot of Arsenal fans come and say thank you for your service.

"Last year was difficult at Arsenal, but in general the time was very, very good and very nice, not only for my career, but for my life as well."

Shortly after Leno's arrival at Craven Cottage, Fulham were able to snap up one of his former Arsenal colleagues Willian on a free transfer.

Willian Fulham 2023Getty

The Brazilian also endured a difficult time at the Emirates, but has rediscovered his best form with the Cottagers, registering three goals and three assists in 22 appearances.

Leno has certainly been impressed, as he added to GOAL when asked who has wowed him most in training during his time at Fulham: "Willian is the best. He's 34 years old, but he looks like 25 years old and everything. And he's still very sharp.

"He's he understands the game and he had a great career, but he's still working hard every day to perform at the weekend. And that's very impressive."

Check out the full episode of Box To Box on GOAL's Youtube channel.

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