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, 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 memorable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his time 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, the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, and the German Bundesliga with Augsburg, before eventually joining Liverpool, where he retired without making an appearance. Arsenal has expressed their shock and sadness at the news, stating, "The entire Arsenal family is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." Manninger also had a notable international career, earning 33 caps for Austria and being part of the squad for the 2008 European Championships co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland.
Red Bull Salzburg, the club 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."