Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away After Achieving Double Victory

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 memorable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his time with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, he made a total of 64 appearances. Manninger went on to have stints in Serie A with clubs like Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, and the German Bundesliga with Augsburg, before eventually joining Liverpool, where he concluded his career without making an appearance. In response to the news, Arsenal released a statement expressing their shock and sadness, offering condolences to Manninger's family and loved ones. Manninger also had a notable international career, earning 33 caps for Austria and being 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 tribute on social media, saying: "We are mourning the loss of our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who sadly passed away in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander."