Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically died at the age of 48.
The Austrian was involved in an accident in Salzburg as his car was hit by a train.
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According to local police, the incident occurred at an unguarded level crossing in Nussdorf am Haunsberg.
He was thought to have been alone in his car, and reportedly, neither the train driver nor any passengers were harmed in the incident.
Manninger was believed to have been tended to by paramedics; however, he sadly lost his life at the scene.
The 48-year-old, who was the first Austrian ever to play for Arsenal, played 64 times for the Gunners in all competitions.
He claimed a Premier League and FA Cup winner’s medal in the 1997/98 season, before leaving the north Londoners in 2002.
Manninger finished his career at Liverpool, signing a short-term contract in 2016 to maintain his fitness.
However, he never made a competitive appearance for Jurgen Klopp‘s side before retiring in 2017.
The 33-cap Austrian international also played for Juventus among numerous other clubs during a journeyman career.
Touching tributes for Alex Manninger
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack joined eSPORTY’s Hawksbee and Baker shortly after news of his fellow shot-stopper’s passing.
Stack, who was on Arsenal’s books from 1998 to 2006, spent a handful of seasons working closely alongside Manninger.
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“His appetite for training, learning and improving just blew me away and stuck with me throughout my whole career,” Stack told eSPORTY.
“Technically, he was very different to what I had seen before in terms of probably how he had been taught as a young lad, but so explosive, so quick around the goal, lightning quick reflexes, very brave.
“But physically, I mean, he was like a gladiator, he was fit, he was strong. He was a real powerful man, and do you know what, he had such a lovely sense of humour.
“He was just a really, really lovely guy to be around. I was with Alex for about three years, so yeah, I learnt lots from him.
“Absolute pleasure to be in his company, I’m sure it’s going to affect a lot of the players that were in that changing room, spent many years with him and have lots of fond memories having success alongside him. Tragic news.”
Stack added: “Nothing but fond memories of Alex, I can’t honestly think of anything where anyone that’s played with him would have anything bad to say about him.”
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Stack also hailed Manninger’s work behind the scenes that helped lift the standards across Arsenal’s goalkeeping union.
“I think all goalkeepers are a little bit nutty in most cases,” he added.
Alex certainly had that side to him.
“Alex was a bit of a I say a mad man. He was full of charisma, full of personality, a really bubbly guy, but I always remember him being quite hard on himself as well and training.
“His standards were so high and always set the bar really high for himself. I did learn a hell of a lot from him, but most notably it would have been his work ethic and his attitude to learn and train.”
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Austria Salzburg – the team where Manninger started his career – also paid tribute to the goalkeeper in a statement on social media.
“It is with great shock that we learned about the tragic accident in Nussdorf, where Alexander Manninger lost his life,” the club wrote.
“Alexander was not only a part of the Austrian family from 1984 to 1996, but above all a person who left his mark – on and off the pitch.
“In these difficult hours, our deep sympathies go out to his family, his relatives and all those who were close to him.
“The thoughts of all of Austria are with you. Rest In Peace, Alexander!” alongside a black heart emoji.
Red Bull Salzburg also paid tribute to Manninger, adding on X: “We mourn the loss of our former player Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander”, alongside a white dove emoji.
