Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically lost his life in a road accident, as confirmed by his initial club Red Bull Salzburg.
The Bundesliga team announced on Thursday that the 48-year-old had passed away, via a statement on its official X account.
It stated: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who sadly lost his life in a traffic incident.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
Reports from Austria indicate that Manninger’s vehicle was involved in a collision with a train at a level crossing on the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg on Thursday morning.
Having earned 33 caps for Austria, Manninger transferred to the Gunners in a Β£500,000 deal from Grazer AK in June 1997, where he made 64 appearances under Arsene Wenger and secured the Premier League title during a five-year tenure before moving to Espanyol, as David Seaman and Richard Wright were ahead of him in the first-team lineup.
Arsenal expressed on X: “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.
“All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly sad time.
“Rest in peace, Alex.”
He also had stints with Torino, Bologna, Siena, and Juventusβwhere he earned a Serie A winner’s medalβin Italy, Augsburg in Germany, and briefly Liverpool in the English Premier League.
The Austrian football association also expressed its condolences, describing him as an “outstanding” contributor.
Sporting director Peter Schottel stated on the Osterreichischer Fussball-Bund official website: “Alexander Manninger was an exceptional ambassador for Austrian football both on and off the field.
“Through his international career, he set benchmarks and inspired many young goalkeepers.
“His professionalism, composure, and dependability made him a vital part of his teams and the national squad. His accomplishments deserve the utmost respect and will not be forgotten.
“In this challenging time, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Manninger did not make any competitive appearances for Liverpool after joining on a short-term contract in July 2016, which turned out to be his final season.
A message on the Reds’ X account read: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.
“The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Juventus commemorated the life of “a man of rare values.”
They stated on X: “Today is a very sad day. We have lost not only a great athlete but also a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism.
“Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, both on and off the pitch.
“Juventus extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands in solidarity with his family during this time of sorrow.”
