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

Tragedy has struck the football world with the sudden passing of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who died in a road accident, as confirmed by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger, aged 48, played a pivotal role in Arsenal's historic double-winning season of 1997/98, stepping in for the injured David Seaman and making seven crucial appearances in the Premier League. One of his most memorable moments was saving a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his five-year stint with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, Manninger made a total of 64 appearances. His subsequent career took him to various 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 has expressed deep sorrow over Manninger's tragic passing, stating, "The entire Arsenal family is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger's passing. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." On the international stage, Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and was a part of the national squad during the 2008 Euros, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where Manninger began his career, mourned his loss, saying, "We are grieving the loss of our former goalkeeper, Alexander Manninger, who tragically passed away in a traffic accident. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends. May Alexander rest in peace."