Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper who helped the club win the Double in 1998, has died in a car accident in Austria at the age of 48. His first club, Red Bull Salzburg, announced the news on Thursday, expressing condolences to his family and friends.
According to Salzburg police, the accident occurred around 8:20 am local time when Manninger's car was hit by a railcar at a railway crossing. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. The train driver was uninjured, and Manninger was alone in the vehicle.
Arsenal paid tribute on social media, saying: 'All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.' Former teammate David Seaman recalled Manninger's crucial role during the 1998 Double-winning season, noting he kept a clean sheet in a key win over Manchester United and saved penalties in an FA Cup victory against West Ham.
Manninger joined Arsenal in 1997 for £500,000 and made 64 appearances, also playing for Espanyol, Juventus, Liverpool, and other clubs. He earned 33 caps for Austria. Juventus and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon paid tribute, describing Manninger as a free spirit who valued simple things in life.
