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

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 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 notable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his five-year stint 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 concluded his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club. Arsenal expressed their shock and sadness over Manninger's passing, 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 a part of the squad during the 2008 Euros 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 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.'