Dirty TackleJens Lehmann considers playing for Germany’s blind football team at 2016 Paralympics
Fresh off the tremendous success of the London Paralympics, former Arsenal and Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has expressed interest in participating in the 2016 Rio Paralympics as a keeper for Germany's blind football team. In Paralympic football, only the team's four outfield players must wear eyeshades to ensure fairness in the varying degrees of visual impairment. Teams are allowed to use a sighted goalkeeper, who cannot leave his penalty area, and one guide positioned off the field.
The Independent reports (and takes a dig at Lehmann):
According to the German newspaper Bild, Lehmann, who will be 46 in 2016, is tempted by the chance to win the first major international title of his career.
"This is very interesting, as long as I am fit to go there," he said.
"In any case, it's okay to talk about it if you are interested."
German Disabled Sports Assocation President Friedhelm Julius Beucher said that such a decision would be discussed privately and the team's coach, Ulrich Pfisterer described Lehmann's potential inclusion as "sensational."
Let's just hope that if Mad Jens does participate he remains on his best behavior and doesn't steal anyone's glasses, use the pitch as a toilet or throw his opponents' boots on top of his net.
Here's video of David Beckham giving blind football a try last year...
