Tragedy has struck the football world with the news of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger's untimely death in a road accident, as confirmed by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger, who was 48, played a pivotal role in Arsenal's historic double-winning season of 1997/98. He stepped in for the injured David Seaman, making seven crucial appearances in the Premier League and notably saving a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his time with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, Manninger made a total of 64 appearances.
His subsequent career took him to various clubs, including Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus in Serie A, Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, and FA Augsburg in the German Bundesliga. Although he ended his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club. Arsenal expressed their deep sadness and shock at the news, stating, "The entire Arsenal family is devastated by the tragic loss of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.
Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." Manninger also had a distinguished international career, earning 33 caps for Austria and being part of the squad that participated in the 2008 Euros, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where Manninger began his career, paid tribute to him on social media, saying, "We are mourning the loss of our former goalkeeper, Alexander Manninger, who tragically passed away in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. May Alexander rest in peace."