Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away After Fatal Accident

Tragedy struck as former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger lost his life in a road accident, as confirmed by his former club Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger played a pivotal role in Arsenal's double-winning season in 1997/98, filling in for the injured David Seaman and making seven crucial appearances in the Premier League. He also saved a decisive penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. Throughout his career, Manninger made 64 appearances for the Gunners between 1997 and 2002, before moving on to play for 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 condolences, stating, 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts 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 Euros, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, where Manninger began his career, paid tribute to him 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.'