Alex Manninger spoke candidly about his career in an emotional final interview days before his tragic death. Manninger, 48, reportedly died on Thursday after being involved in a collision between a car and a train on the Salzburg Regional Railway. According to local police, the incident occurred at an unguarded railroad crossing.
Local media outlet Salzburg ORF reported that Manninger’s car was struck while crossing near Nussdorf am Haunsberg. Paramedics are said to have attempted to rescue the victim at the scene, but unfortunately they were unable to save his life.
Earlier this month, Manninger spoke about his career in an in-depth interview with Gazzetta dello Sport: “I still get excited just remembering it. I was 20 years old and still a kid.
“Coach Wenger wanted to bring an international dimension to the club and focus on young players, and I was one of them. Despite my age, I was calm in front of goal. I had a monster like Tony Adams in front of me. He taught me a lot.”
“The only regret I have is leaving too soon. But I wanted to play.”
He represented the Gunners for four seasons and became the first Austrian to play for Arsenal. He then returned to English football with Liverpool, where he ended his playing career as a backup goalkeeper to first-choice Simon Mignolet.
He said: “It all started with a phone call. Jurgen knew everything about me. I had beaten Dortmund in Augsburg two years ago.
“(He said), ‘I want that goalie to be there. You saved everything for us that day. You’ve got to do it for me too.’
“Even though I had never really played and I was 40 years old, it felt great to quit football and say goodbye to the fans in front of the Kop.”
Following the news of his death, Liverpool expressed their deepest condolences, saying: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger, aged 48.
“The Austrian arrived at Anfield in July 2016 to spend the final season of his long career with the Reds.
“He joined us as an experienced back-up goalkeeper, appearing in two friendlies and being named in the matchday squad four times during that period.
“For 20 years, Manninger represented many clubs in Europe, including his home team Red Bull Salzburg, Arsenal, Fiorentina, Juventus and FC Augsburg.”
