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

Tragedy has struck the football community with the news of Alex Manninger's untimely death in a road accident, as confirmed by his former club, Red Bull Salzburg. The 48-year-old Austrian goalkeeper 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 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, before eventually joining Liverpool, where he concluded his playing career without making an appearance. Arsenal has expressed deep sadness and shock over Manninger's passing, stating, "The entire Arsenal family is devastated by the tragic loss of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." Manninger also earned 33 international caps for Austria and was part of the nation's squad for the 2008 European Championship 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 are mourning the loss of our former goalkeeper, Alexander Manninger, who sadly passed away in a traffic accident. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace."