David Seaman Remembers 'Great Friend' Alex Manninger After Tragic Death
David Seaman has paid heartfelt tribute to his former Arsenal teammate Alex Manninger following the goalkeeper's tragic death in a road accident near Salzburg. Manninger, who played a crucial role in Arsenal's historic 1998 double-winning season, was just 48 years old.
Tragic Accident Details
Reports from Austria confirm that Manninger's car was involved in a collision with a train at a level crossing on the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg on Thursday morning. The accident has sent shockwaves through the football community, particularly among those who remember his significant contributions during Arsenal's glory years.
Seaman's Emotional Tribute
"It is devastating news," Seaman, 62, told the Press Association. "It is really sad and it is difficult to get your head around it. When I think of Alex Manninger, he was a fantastic goalkeeper for us."
Seaman recalled how Manninger stepped in during his own injury absence during the critical final stages of the 1997/98 campaign. "He came in and deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double. He did amazingly well."
The former England goalkeeper highlighted specific moments that defined Manninger's impact:
- Playing 13 consecutive games during Seaman's injury absence
- Keeping a clean sheet in the crucial 1-0 league victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford
- Saving penalties during Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final win against West Ham
"The fans loved him," Seaman continued. "And I must admit it was touch and go as to whether I would get back in the side. He was a massive player for Arsenal."
Manninger's Career and Character
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal over five years after joining from Grazer AK in a £500,000 move in June 1997. The Austrian international, who earned 33 caps for his country, began his career with RB Salzburg before his successful stint in North London.
After departing for Espanyol in 2002, Manninger enjoyed spells with several Italian clubs including Torino, Bologna, Siena, and Juventus, where he won a Serie A title. He also had a brief, non-playing period with Liverpool in 2016.
Seaman praised not only Manninger's goalkeeping abilities but also his character and dedication. "When you looked at him, he was very athletic, had a great spring and made great saves. He was so competitive in the standards that he set himself."
The former teammates shared a passion for fishing, with Seaman recalling: "He was a great friend, too. And like me was a fisherman and we spent many hours together on the lakes. My thoughts are with his wife and young family."
Football World Mourns
Tributes have poured in from Manninger's former clubs across Europe. Arsenal posted on social media: "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Rest in peace, Alex."
Liverpool's official account added: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time."
Juventus remembered "a man of rare values" in their statement, highlighting his "humility, dedication and an exceptional sense of professionalism."
Perhaps most poignantly, Gianluigi Buffon, Manninger's former Juventus teammate, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram praising his friend's independence from football's pressures and his commitment to family and simple pleasures.
The football community has lost not just a talented goalkeeper but, as Seaman emphasized, a great friend and dedicated professional whose contributions to Arsenal's historic 1998 double will never be forgotten.
