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 boyhood club Red Bull Salzburg. The 48-year-old Austrian goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Arsenal's historic double-winning season of 1997/98, filling in for the injured David Seaman and making seven crucial appearances in the Premier League. He also played a key part in the FA Cup semi-final, saving a penalty in the shootout win against West Ham. During his tenure with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, Manninger made a total of 64 appearances. His subsequent career took him to various prestigious clubs, including Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus in Serie A, Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, and FA Augsburg in the German Bundesliga. Although he ended his career at Liverpool, he did not make an appearance for the club. Arsenal has expressed its deep sorrow and shock at the news, stating, 'We are all at Arsenal deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.' Manninger 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 Manninger began his journey, paid tribute to him, 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.'