Former Arsenal and Austria goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a road accident near Salzburg, authorities confirmed.
Police said the incident occurred on Thursday morning at a level crossing, where Manninger was involved in a collision with a train. Emergency responders arrived promptly but were unable to save him. He was alone in the vehicle at the time, while the train driver was unharmed.
Manninger, remembered as one of Austria’s most respected football exports, enjoyed a distinguished playing career spanning nearly two decades.
The former shot-stopper made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, helping the Gunners secure the Premier League and FA Cup double in the 1997/98 season. He also earned 33 caps for Austria and represented his country at UEFA Euro 2008.
Paying tribute, Austrian Football Association sporting director Peter Schottel described Manninger as “an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football.”
“His professionalism, composure and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team,” Schottel said. “His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable.”
Manninger began his professional career with Red Bull Salzburg before going on to feature for several top European clubs, including Juventus, Udinese and FC Augsburg. In 2016, he signed a short-term deal with Liverpool, though he did not make a competitive appearance.
At Arsenal, Manninger served largely as deputy to David Seaman but rose to prominence during the 1997/98 campaign when he stepped in during Seaman’s injury absence. His standout performances, including impressive displays against West Ham and Manchester United, earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award in March 1998.
Manninger’s passing marks the loss of a revered figure in European football whose legacy will endure both in Austria and beyond.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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