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 pivotal role in Arsenal's double-winning season of 1997/98, stepping in for the injured David Seaman and making seven crucial appearances in the Premier League. He also saved a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. Between 1997 and 2002, Manninger made 64 appearances for the Gunners 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 finished his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club. Arsenal 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. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time." Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and was part of the squad for the 2008 Euros. Red Bull Salzburg, where Manninger began his career, paid tribute to him, 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."