Arsenal legend and current first team coach, Jens Lehmann, has revealed what it was like bumping into Sir Alex Ferguson after he was sent off in the Champions League final.

Lehmann is set to release his new autobiography, Madness is on the Pitch, on 14 November, in which he speaks about coming face-to-face with Fergie after being sent off during the Gunners’ Champions League final clash against Barcelona in 2006.

“After a few minutes, Thierry Henry had the first great chance, followed by two Spanish attempts on target which I could parry safely,” said the goalkeeper, who was carded after fouling Samuel Eto’o.

“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.”

Lehmann played for Arsenal during a time when United and the Gunners were proper rivals. Although Fergie and Wenger appear to have a lot of respect for each other now, at the time, when the Frenchman signed moved to the Premier League in 1996, the Red Devils’ boss had met his match.

Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that Fergie didn’t slap Lehmann on the back and give the German a shoulder to cry on.

That Champions League loss still preys on most Gooners’ minds. Lehmann being sent off completely changed the game and the Catalan giants won 2-1.

It was the best chance Arsenal have ever had of winning the trophy and the former Invincible knows that.