Former Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away

Tragedy has struck the football world with the passing of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who died in a road accident, as confirmed by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger, aged 48, played a crucial role in Arsenal's double-winning season of 1997/98, filling in for the injured David Seaman and making seven Premier League appearances, including a notable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his five-year stint with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, he made 64 appearances 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. His career concluded with a spell at Liverpool, although he did not make an appearance for the club. Arsenal has expressed their shock and sadness at Manninger's passing, stating, "The entire Arsenal family is deeply saddened by the tragic news of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger's passing. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult 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, where Manninger began his career, paid tribute to him on social media, saying, "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. Rest in peace, Alexander."