Tragedy has struck the football community with the news of Alex Manninger's untimely death in a road accident, as confirmed by his former club, Red Bull Salzburg. The 48-year-old Austrian goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Arsenal's double-winning season of 1997/98, stepping in for the injured David Seaman and making seven crucial appearances in the Premier League. One of his most memorable moments was saving a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham.
Manninger went on to make 64 appearances for the Gunners between 1997 and 2002 before moving on to play for several clubs, including Fiorentina, Siena, and Juventus in Serie A, Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, and FA Augsburg in the German Bundesliga. Although he ended his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club. Arsenal 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 distinguished international career, earning 33 caps for Austria and being part of the squad for the 2008 Euros. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where he began his career, paid tribute to him, 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."