Tributes have been paid to former goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who had a long career with both Arsenal and Liverpool, who died after his car was hit by a train.
Alex Manninger at Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
Alex Manninger has tragically passed away at the age of 48, the Austrian FA has announced. The former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper died on Thursday when his car was hit by a train in Salzburg.
According to local reports, Manninger was driving at a railroad crossing in Perving, near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, at 8:20 a.m. when his car was dragged several meters by a train. Manninger, who appeared to be driving alone, was pulled from the wreckage, but unfortunately he died at the scene.
Austrian news agency Salzburg ORF added that the 25 passengers on board the train were expected to be safe. The Austrian Football Federation (OFB) confirmed his death in a post on social media: “The news of Alex Manninger’s death is extremely shocking. Because of him, football has lost a special person.”
“At this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone close to him. We wish them much strength going forward.”
Manninger made 39 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, becoming third choice in his final year and being loaned to Italian side Fiorentina. Primarily a back-up to David Seaman, Manninger helped the Gunners win both the Premier League title and the FA Cup during his time in North London.
Helicopter arrives at the scene in Salzburg (Image: Nussdorf am Haunsberg Fire Department)
In a statement, Arsenal said: “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.”
Liverpool was his final destination in a career that spanned 22 years and took him to 15 different clubs. He was signed by Jurgen Klopp ahead of the 2016-17 season, but did not feature for Liverpool’s first team.
“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger, aged 48. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time,” the club said in a statement.
Manninger also played for Juventus and won 33 caps for his country. Tributes have been pouring in from all over Europe.
Red Bull Salzburg, where Manninger enjoyed playing for two years, posted: “We mourn the loss of former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a car accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
“Today is a very sad day. He leaves us not only as a great athlete, but also as a man with rare values of humility, dedication and extraordinary professional seriousness. Juventus expresses its condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands with his family in this moment of sadness,” Juventus said in a statement.
Another memorial read: “Fiorentina mourns the sudden death of Alex Manninger, goalkeeper for the Viola in the 2001-2002 season, who had a long career in Italy and was a goalkeeper for the Austrian national team. The entire club joins his family in this moment of deep sadness.”
Alex Manninger recently admitted he regrets leaving Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Italian giants Napoli added: “President Aurelio De Laurentiis and everyone at SSC Napoli mourn the passing of goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who enjoyed a storied career in Italian and European football.”
Just this month, Manninger revealed he regretted leaving Arsenal “too soon” as he was keen to play more regular football. He told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport: “I get emotional just thinking about it.
“I was only 20, still a kid. Coach[Arsene]Wenger wanted to bring an international dimension to the club and focus on young players, and I was one of them. Arsene even introduced a training camp, which was unusual in the Premier League at the time.”
“Despite my age, I have to say I felt comfortable being in goal. I had a giant up front like Tony Adams. He taught me a lot. The only regret I have is that I left too soon. But, you know, I wanted to play.”
