Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a road accident near Salzburg, Austria. Reports indicate that his car collided with a train on a level crossing in Nussdorf am Haunsberg on Thursday morning.
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal over five years and was instrumental in the club's 1998 double-winning season, stepping in for David Seaman during a crucial period. His former teammate Seaman described him as a 'massive player' in Arsenal's history.
'It is devastating news,' Seaman, 62, told the Press Association. 'When I think of Alex Manninger, he was a fantastic goalkeeper for us. He came in and deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double. He did amazingly well.'
Manninger, who earned 33 caps for Austria, began his career with RB Salzburg before joining Arsenal from Grazer AK in 1997. He later played for Espanyol, several Italian clubs including Juventus, and had a brief spell with Liverpool in 2016.
Tributes poured in from his former clubs. Arsenal posted on X: 'Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Rest in peace, Alex.' Juventus remembered 'a man of rare values', while Gianluigi Buffon paid a personal tribute, highlighting Manninger's love for nature and family.
