Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away After Road Accident

Tragedy has struck the football community 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. During his time at Arsenal, Manninger played a crucial role in the team's double-winning season of 1997/98, filling in for the injured David Seaman and making seven Premier League appearances. Notably, he saved a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout victory over West Ham. Manninger's stint with the Gunners spanned from 1997 to 2002, during which he made 64 appearances. He then went on to play for several 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 has released a statement expressing their shock and sadness at the news, saying: "The entire Arsenal community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." Manninger earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team and was part of the squad that participated in the 2008 European Championship, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, where Manninger began his career, has paid tribute to him on social media, stating: "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 he rest in peace."