Tragedy has struck the football world as former Arsenal goalkeeper, Alex Manninger, has lost his life in a road accident, as confirmed by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger played a pivotal role in Arsenal's double-winning season of 1997/98, filling in for David Seaman and making seven Premier League appearances, including a crucial penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. His tenure with the Gunners spanned from 1997 to 2002, during which he made 64 appearances. Manninger's career also took him to Serie A, where he played for Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, and to the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, and the German Bundesliga with Augsburg.
Although he concluded his career at Liverpool, he did not make an appearance for the club. Arsenal has expressed deep sorrow over Manninger's passing, stating, "The entire Arsenal family is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger's passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." On the international stage, Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and was part of the country's squad for the 2008 European Championship, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where Manninger's career began, mourned his loss, saying, "We are grieving 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."