Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away After Fatal Accident

Tragedy has struck the football community with the news of Alex Manninger's untimely death in a road accident, as confirmed by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. The 48-year-old Austrian goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Arsenal's double-winning season in 1997/98, deputizing for David Seaman and making seven crucial Premier League appearances, in addition to saving a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout victory over West Ham. Manninger accumulated 64 appearances for the Gunners between 1997 and 2002 before embarking on stints in Serie A with Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, and the German Bundesliga with Augsburg. Although he concluded his career at Liverpool, he did not make an appearance for the club. Arsenal expressed their condolences in a statement, saying, 'The entire Arsenal family is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.' Manninger 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, the club where Manninger began his career, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, stating, '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.'