Tragedy has struck as former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has lost his life in a road accident, as confirmed by his boyhood club Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger, aged 48, played a crucial role in Arsenal's historic double in the 1997/98 season, filling in for the injured David Seaman and making seven Premier League appearances. He also saved a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his time at Arsenal from 1997 to 2002, Manninger made a total of 64 appearances.
He then 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 finished his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club.
Arsenal released a statement expressing their shock and sadness at the news, saying: "The entire Arsenal family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and was part of the squad that participated in the 2008 European Championship, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. Red Bull Salzburg, where Manninger began his career, paid tribute to him on social media, stating: "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 he rest in peace."