Former Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who played for Arsenal, Juventus, and several other clubs, died on Thursday at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train at a crossing near Salzburg. The incident occurred around 8:20 a.m. local time, according to Salzburg police, who confirmed that first responders attempted resuscitation but were unsuccessful. Manninger, who retired in 2017, was alone in the vehicle, and the train driver was uninjured.
Manninger made 33 appearances for the Austrian national team and played for Arsenal between 1997 and 2001, contributing to the club's 1997-98 Premier League and FA Cup victories. He also played for Italian clubs including Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena, Udinese, and Juventus. His death has been mourned by the Austrian Football Association (OEFB), former clubs, and fans worldwide.
Tributes and Reactions
The OEFB described Manninger as an 'outstanding ambassador of Austrian football' and praised his professionalism and reliability. Clubs such as Fiorentina, Arsenal, and Liverpool issued statements of condolence, with Fiorentina observing a minute's silence and wearing black armbands during their Conference League match. Juventus also honored Manninger, calling him a 'man of rare values.'
Investigation Details
Salzburg police stated that the car was hit by a railcar of the Salzburger Lokalbahn while crossing the railway crossing and was dragged along. The investigation is ongoing, with reports suggesting that the electronic data from Manninger's vehicle and the functionality of the crossing signals are being examined. The public prosecutor's office is involved in the probe.
Career Highlights
Manninger began his career with Red Bull Salzburg and played for 14 teams across Europe. At Arsenal, he served as a backup to David Seaman but made key contributions, including a memorable win against Manchester United and being named Premier League Player of the Month in March 1998. His later career included a brief stint with Liverpool in 2016-17, though he did not play for the club.