SALZBURG, Austria (AP) – Former Austrian Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger reportedly died after being hit by a car in Salzburg on Thursday.
Manninger, 48, played for a number of clubs in Europe, including Juventus and Salzburg. Many clubs paid their respects on social media.
“We mourn the loss of 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,” Salzburg wrote on X.
Salzburg police did not release Manninger’s name, but Austrian state broadcaster ORF reported Thursday morning local time that Manninger suffered fatal injuries in the accident at a railway crossing. The Associated Press has asked police for confirmation.
According to police, the car was struck and dragged by a train while crossing the tracks. The driver was alone, but he was not injured.
“At around 8:20 a.m. on April 16, the police were notified of a traffic accident involving a local train and a passenger car at the Nussdorf am Haunsberg level crossing,” police said in a statement. “Upon arrival, paramedics found that the driver of the car, a 48-year-old man from Salzburg, had already been extricated from the vehicle by paramedics and was undergoing CPR. Police assisted with resuscitation efforts, including the use of a defibrillator. Despite further efforts by paramedics and paramedics, resuscitation was not successful. The man from Salzburg succumbed to his injuries.”
Manninger won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998 with Arsenal, and also won Serie A with Juventus. He played 33 games for his country.
Peter Schottel, Sporting Director of the Austrian Football Association, said: “Alexander Manninger was a great ambassador for Austrian football on and off the pitch, setting standards for international careers and inspiring and shaping many young goalkeepers.” “His professionalism, calmness and reliability made him an important member of the team and the national team. His achievements deserve the highest respect and will be remembered.”
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