Alex Manninger leaves behind a wife and two children. (Image: Facebook/Emily Manninger)
The wife of late goalkeeper Alex Manninger has spoken of the “unimaginable pain” that “shattered” her following her husband’s unexpected death. Emily Manninger has paid a heartfelt tribute to the former Arsenal and Liverpool shot-stopper. Manninger tragically died at the age of 48 last week 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, when his car was dragged several meters by the train.
Manninger played at 15 different clubs during his 22-year career, retiring after a spell at Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. During his playing days, the Austrian international has two surviving children, Emily, Alexander and Nikolas. “Words cannot describe the unimaginable pain I am feeling,” Emily wrote on social media. “While we are not a family that would share such grief and pain publicly, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from all over the world.”
Emily described her husband as an “amazing father” and best friend with whom they shared a “perfect life.”
“Alex, you were the most amazing father to our children. They loved you dearly. Being your wife was where I belonged. You were not only my husband, but my best friend. Whenever we needed anything, I could rely on you.”
“We had such a perfect life. We took walks together, took our boat to the lake in the summer, paddleboarded, played dice, went hiking, skied, played golf, stayed in beautiful hotels in the mountains with the boys, and did so many things. The list is endless.”
A widow poured out her heart to the world by painting a touching portrait of her late husband and joking that he was fluent in Scouse. “You had a huge impact on so many people you met,” she said.
“You were very polite, calm, honest, organized, driven, kind-hearted, kind and loyal. You were highly educated and spoke several languages, including Scouse.
Alex Manninger’s wife Emily has paid tribute to the late goalkeeper. (Image: Facebook/Emily Manninger)
“You were such a well-traveled, experienced, thoughtful person. You were such an interesting person to me, and so many others, just loved to sit and talk with you. You were a wonderful son to a wonderful mother.
“I am devastated as a person and my entire family to hear the news of your death. We have to be strong right now for you and our boys. I don’t think our family deserved this, but I believe there is a God in heaven, and I believe He brought you to be with your father.”
Both Arsenal and Liverpool have expressed their deepest condolences following the passing of the double Premier League and FA Cup winner, and Italian Serie A clubs Juventus and Fiorentina have also joined in their condolences.
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.”
The Reds said: “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.”
“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.
Italian rivals said: “Fiorentina mourns the sudden death of Alex Manninger, Viola’s goalkeeper 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.”
