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. The 48-year-old played a pivotal role in Arsenal's double-winning season of 1997/98, deputizing for David Seaman and making seven Premier League appearances, including a crucial penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. Manninger accumulated 64 appearances for the Gunners between 1997 and 2002 before moving on to play in Serie A for clubs like Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, as well as stints in the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg and the German Bundesliga with FA Augsburg. He concluded his career at Liverpool without making an appearance.
Arsenal has expressed deep sadness, stating, "The entire Arsenal family is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time." Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and was part of the squad for the 2008 Euros co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, where Manninger began his career, paid tribute on social media, saying, "We mourn the loss of our former goalkeeper, Alexander Manninger, who tragically passed away in a traffic accident.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander."