Former Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away

Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger, a former Arsenal player, has tragically lost his life in a road accident, as confirmed by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger played a crucial role in Arsenal's 1997/98 double-winning season, 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 time at Arsenal from 1997 to 2002, he made 64 appearances. Manninger's career also took him to Italy's Serie A, where he played for Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, as well as the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg and the German Bundesliga with Augsburg. 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, 'We are all deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.' Manninger earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team and was part of the 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 mourn the loss of our former goalkeeper, Alexander Manninger, who tragically passed away in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.'