Key Takeaways
- Austrian keeper Alex Manninger, 48, lost his life in a car-train crash near Salzburg on Thursday morning.
- Manninger made 64 Arsenal appearances and helped the club win the 1997-98 Premier League and FA Cup double.
- Tributes have arrived from Arsenal, Liverpool, Red Bull Salzburg, David Seaman and Gigi Buffon.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a road accident in his home country of Austria.
Police in Salzburg say the crash happened at about 8:20 am when a local train struck Manninger’s car at a level crossing. Emergency crews pulled the 48-year-old from the wreckage but were unable to revive him. He was the only person in the vehicle.
Red Bull Salzburg, the club where the Austrian began his career, announced the tragedy on social media: “We mourn 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.”
Manninger joined Arsenal in 1997 for roughly £500,000 from Grazer AK. Over five seasons he played 64 matches, standing in for injured number one David Seaman during the run-in to the 1997-98 double. His highlights included a clean sheet in a 1-0 league win at Manchester United and two penalty saves in an FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham United.
Seaman led the tributes: “Alex came in as a 20-year-old and was brilliant for us. He kept us in the title race while I was out. The fans loved him and he pushed me all the way for my place.”
After leaving north London the keeper spent time with Espanyol, Liverpool, Juventus, Torino, Bologna, Siena and Augsburg. He earned 33 caps for Austria and was praised by the national federation for “setting standards” for young goalkeepers.
Arsenal posted: “All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.” Liverpool also expressed sadness, calling Manninger “a valued member of the squad during the 2016-17 pre-season.”
Former Italy captain Gigi Buffon, who shared a dressing room with Manninger at Juventus, wrote on Instagram: “Dear Alex, you chose a quiet life in nature over the madness of football. You stayed true to yourself. I will miss your smile and your pride.”
Manninger is survived by his wife and two young children.