Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 after his ‘car was hit by a train’ in a horror accident
Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48.
Manninger was reportedly in a car accident and collided with a train involving the Salzburg local railway on Thursday. According to local police, the incident happened at an unguarded level crossing.
Local media outlet Salzburg ORF claim Manninger’s car had been hit while crossing near Nussdorf am Haunsberg. It’s believed he was tended to by first responders at the scene after the car was dragged several metres. He was freed from the vehicle as paramedics arrived at the scene to provide further treatment but he was sadly unable to be saved.
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It’s thought he was the only person in the car, with the train’s driver and passengers reportedly unharmed. A police investigation into the crash is underway.
Manninger was the first Austrian player to ever play for the Gunners, where he made 39 appearances and won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1997/98.
The keeper left Highbury in 2002 after falling behind both David Seaman and Richard Wright. He played for 10 different clubs during his career including the likes of Fiorentina, Torino, Red Bull Salzburg, Udinese and Juventus.
Manninger played for German side Augsburg between 2012 and 2016 before signing for Liverpool. The Austrian trained with the Reds to maintain match fitness and signed a short-term deal; however, he never played for the club.
He retired in 2017 after a playing career that spanned 20 years and saw him earn 33 caps for Austria between 1999 and 2009.
Austria Salzburg, the club where Manninger started his career, paid tribute to their former player on social media. The club shared on social media: “It is with great shock that we learned about the tragic accident in Nussdorf, where Alexander Manninger lost his life.
“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! (black heart emoji).'”
RB Salzburg wrote on X: “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.”