Tragedy has struck the football world as former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has lost his life in a road accident, as confirmed by his first club, Red Bull Salzburg. Manninger, who was 48 years old, 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 time with the Gunners from 1997 to 2002, he made a total of 64 appearances. His football career also took him to Serie A, where he played for Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus, as well as stints in the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg and the German Bundesliga with Augsburg. Although he ended his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club. Arsenal has expressed their shock and sadness at the news, stating, "Everyone at Arsenal is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." Manninger also had a notable international career, earning 33 caps for Austria and being 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 in a statement, 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."