Tragedy has struck the football world with the news of Alex Manninger's untimely death in a road accident, as announced by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. The 48-year-old Austrian goalkeeper played a crucial role in Arsenal's double-winning season in 1997/98, filling in for 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 64 appearances before moving on to play for several 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 any appearances for the club.
Arsenal has expressed their shock and 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 Austria and was part of the squad that participated in the 2008 Euros, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, where Manninger 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.'