Tragedy has struck the football world 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 crucial role in Arsenal's double-winning season in 1997/98, filling in for the injured David Seaman and making seven Premier League appearances, including a memorable penalty save in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against West Ham.
Manninger accumulated 64 appearances for the Gunners between 1997 and 2002 before going 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. Although he ended his career at Liverpool, he did not make a single appearance for the Reds. Arsenal has expressed its deep sorrow, stating, 'We are all shocked and 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 Austria and was part of the national team that competed in the 2008 European Championships 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 lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rest in peace, Alexander.'