Tributes are being paid to Alex Manninger, who played for both Arsenal and Liverpool during his long playing career, after former goalkeeper died in a car crash
Alex Manninger during his time at Arsenal (Image:
GETTY
)
Alex Manninger has tragically died aged 48, the Austrian FA have confirmed. The former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper is understood to have passed away following a car crash on Thursday.
Reports say that the incident involved his car and train in Salzburg. The Austrian FA (OFB) posted on social media: “The news of Alex Manninger’s death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person.
“In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Much strength for the time ahead.”
Manninger played 39 times for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, the final year of which he became third choice and was loaned to Fiorentina in Italy. Predominately backup to David Seaman, Manninger helped the Gunners win both the Premier League title and FA Cup during his time in North London.
In a career which spanned 22 years and 15 different clubs, Liverpool was his final destination. He was signed by Jurgen Klopp ahead of the 2016-17 season, although he didn’t make appearance for Liverpool’s first-team.
Manninger also played for Juventus and earned 33 caps for his country. Tributes are flooding in from across Europe.
Red Bull Salzburg, who Manninger enjoyed two spells playing for, said: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
Italian giants Napoli added: “President Aurelio De Laurentiis and all of SSC Napoli join in the mourning for the passing of Alexander Manninger, the goalkeeper who starred in a prestigious career in Italian and European football.”
Just this month, Manninger revealed that he regretted leaving Arsenal ‘too soon’, having been desperate to play more regular football. He told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport: “It makes me emotional just thinking about it.
“I was 20, a kid. [Arsene] Wenger wanted to bring an international dimension to the club and focus on young players. I was one of them. Arsene even introduced a training camp, which was unusual for the Premier League at the time.
“I have to say that, despite my age, I felt comfortable in goal. Up front I had a giant like Tony Adams. He taught me so much. I only have one regret: leaving too soon. But you know, I wanted to play.”
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