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

Tragedy has struck the football world with the news of Alex Manninger's untimely death in a road accident, as confirmed by his former club, Red Bull Salzburg. The 48-year-old Austrian goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Arsenal's double-winning season of 1997/98, deputizing for David Seaman and making seven crucial Premier League appearances, including a memorable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. Manninger's six-year stint with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002 was marked by 64 appearances, followed by spells in Serie A with Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, and the German Bundesliga with Augsburg. Although his career concluded at Liverpool without making an appearance, his legacy lives on. Arsenal has expressed its shock and sadness, stating, 'Everyone at Arsenal is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.' Manninger also earned 33 caps for Austria 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, 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.'