Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away After Fatal Accident

Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper who played a crucial role in the team's double-winning season in 1997/98, has tragically passed away in a road accident. The Austrian, who was 48 years old, made a total of 64 appearances for the Gunners between 1997 and 2002, including seven games in the Premier League and a memorable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. After leaving Arsenal, Manninger went on to play for several clubs, including Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus in Serie A, Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, and Augsburg in the German Bundesliga. Although he ended his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club. Manninger also earned 33 caps for Austria, representing his country at the 2008 European Championship. Following the news of his passing, Arsenal released a statement expressing their shock and sadness, offering condolences to Manninger's family and loved ones. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where Manninger began his career, also paid tribute to their former goalkeeper, saying: "We mourn the loss of 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."