Arsenal ex-goalkeeper Manninger dies after car struck by train
Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Manninger played for numerous clubs across Europe including Premier League side Arsenal (CHRISTOF STACHE) Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who played for Austria at Euro 2008, died on Thursday after his car was hit by a train, his former club Red Bull Salzburg said. The 48-year-old died when a train hit his car while crossing the tracks in the Salzburg region, the Austrian news agency APA reported. "We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident," Red Bull Salzburg posted on its Facebook page.
"Our thoughts are with his family and his friends. Rest in peace, Alexander. " Both the Austrian Football Association and Arsenal also expressed condolences.
"With him, the world of football has lost a very special person," the Austrian Football Association said on X. "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger," Arsenal posted on X. The cause of the accident, in which no one else was injured, is still under investigation, according to police.
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup. He spent most of his time with the Gunners as understudy to David Seaman. Manninger, however, played a key role when the England goalkeeper was injured in helping the north London club complete a Premier League and FA Cup double in the 1997/98 campaign -- Arsene Wenger's first full season as Arsenal manager.
"He did amazingly well," Seaman told Britain's Press Association news agency. "He was just a young lad when he broke into the first team. For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special.