Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper who helped the club win the Double in 1998, has died in a car accident in Austria. He was 48.
His former club Red Bull Salzburg announced the news on Thursday. Police said the accident occurred at around 8.20am local time when Manninger's car was hit by a train at a level crossing. The driver was alone and died at the scene; the train driver was uninjured.
Arsenal paid tribute, stating: 'All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.' David Seaman, for whom Manninger deputised, recalled: 'He came in and deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double. He did amazingly well.'
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal before spells at Espanyol, Italian clubs including Juventus, Augsburg and Liverpool. Liverpool expressed deep sadness, and the Austrian FA described him as an 'outstanding ambassador'. Former teammate Gigi Buffon praised his independence and love of simple things.
