Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away After Winning Double

Tragedy has struck the football world as former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has lost his life in a road accident, as announced by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger played a crucial role in Arsenal's double-winning season of 1997/98, stepping in for the injured David Seaman to make seven appearances in the Premier League and making a notable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his time with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, he made a total of 64 appearances. His career also took him to Serie A, where he played for Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, as well as the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg and the German Bundesliga with Augsburg. Although he finished his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club. Arsenal has expressed their shock and deep sadness at the news, stating, "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." Manninger also earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team and was part of the squad for the 2008 European Championship co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where he began his career, paid tribute to him on social media, saying, "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."