Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper who played a crucial role in the club's 1997/98 double-winning season, has tragically passed away in a road accident. The Austrian, who was 48, made seven appearances in the Premier League that season, filling in for the injured David Seaman, and also saved a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout victory over 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 Augsburg in the German Bundesliga. Although he ended his career at Liverpool, he did not make any appearances for the club.
Arsenal released a statement expressing their shock and sadness at Manninger's passing, saying: "Everyone at Arsenal is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time." Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and was part of the squad for the 2008 European Championships.
His first club, Red Bull Salzburg, also 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."