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, filling in for David Seaman and making seven Premier League appearances, including a notable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. His time at Arsenal spanned from 1997 to 2002, with 64 appearances for the Gunners.
Manninger's career also took him to Serie A, where he played for Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, and to the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg, as well as the German Bundesliga with Augsburg. Although his career concluded at Liverpool, he did not make an appearance for the club. Arsenal has expressed their shock and sadness, stating, "The entire Arsenal family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time." Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and was part of the national team that competed in the 2008 Euros, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where Manninger began his career, shared their condolences on social media, saying, "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. May Alexander rest in peace."