Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away After Fatal Road Accident

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, who was 48 years old, played a pivotal role in Arsenal's double-winning season of 1997/98, filling in for the injured David Seaman and making seven crucial appearances in the Premier League. One of his most memorable moments came when he saved a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. Over the course of his five-year stint with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, Manninger made a total of 64 appearances. He then went on to have spells in Serie A with clubs like Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, as well as playing in the Austrian Bundesliga for Red Bull Salzburg and the German Bundesliga for Augsburg. Manninger eventually brought his career to a close at Liverpool, although he did not make any appearances for the club. Arsenal has released a statement expressing their shock and deep sadness at the news, saying, 'Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.' Throughout his career, Manninger also earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team and was part of the squad that participated in the 2008 Euros, which Austria co-hosted with Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where Manninger's career began, has paid tribute to him with a statement that reads, 'We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.'