Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Passes Away After Winning Two Titles

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically lost his life in a road accident, as announced by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger played a crucial role in Arsenal's double-winning 1997/98 season, stepping in for the injured David Seaman and making seven Premier League appearances, including saving a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham. During his time with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, he made 64 appearances before moving on to play for various clubs including Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus in Serie A, Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, and Augsburg in the German Bundesliga. He concluded his career at Liverpool without making an appearance. Arsenal expressed their condolences in a statement, saying, "The entire Arsenal family is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and was part of the squad for 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, 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."