Former Arsenal and Austria goalkeeper Alexander Manninger has died aged 48 after his car was hit by a train in Salzburg.
VIENNA: Former Arsenal and Austria goalkeeper Alexander Manninger has died in a traffic accident. He was 48 years old.
His former club Red Bull Salzburg confirmed his death after his car was struck by a train in the Salzburg region. The Austrian news agency APA reported the incident occurred at a level crossing.
“We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident,” Red Bull Salzburg stated. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by police, who confirmed no one else was injured.
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002. He was a key deputy to first-choice goalkeeper David Seaman during that period.
He played a crucial role when Seaman was injured, helping Arsenal secure the Premier League and FA Cup double in the 1997/98 season. This campaign was Arsene Wenger’s first full season as the club’s manager.
“He did amazingly well,” Seaman told Britain’s Press Association. “For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special.”
Manninger earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team. He represented his country at the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament, which was co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland.
His club career began with his hometown side, Red Bull Salzburg. After his time at Arsenal, he played for several European clubs including Siena, Juventus, Udinese, and Augsburg.
He signed a short-term deal with Liverpool in 2016 at the age of 39. He did not make a first-team appearance for the club during his time at Anfield.
Both Arsenal and the Austrian Football Association expressed their shock and condolences. “With him, the world of football has lost a very special person,” the Austrian FA said.
