Tributes are pouring in for former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who has tragically died at the age of 48 following a road accident near Salzburg. His former teammate and close friend David Seaman has led the emotional tributes, remembering Manninger as a "massive player" in Arsenal's history and a "great friend."
Tragic Accident Claims Former Arsenal Star
According to reports from Austria, Manninger's car was involved in a collision with a train at a level crossing on the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg on Thursday morning. The Austrian international, who earned 33 caps for his country, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Seaman's Emotional Tribute
David Seaman, 62, spoke exclusively to the Press Association about his former teammate's passing. "It is devastating news," Seaman said. "It is really sad and it is difficult to get your head around it. When I think of Alex Manninger, he was a fantastic goalkeeper for us."
Seaman highlighted Manninger's crucial role during Arsenal's historic 1997/98 season, when the Gunners won both the Premier League and FA Cup under Arsene Wenger. "He came in and deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double," Seaman recalled. "He did amazingly well. For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special."
Key Contributions to Arsenal's Success
Manninger made 13 appearances during that crucial period when Seaman was injured, keeping a clean sheet in the vital 1-0 league victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford and saving penalties during the FA Cup quarter-final win against West Ham. "The fans loved him," Seaman noted. "And I must admit it was touch and go as to whether I would get back in the side. He was a massive player for Arsenal."
Career Journey Across Europe
Alex Manninger began his professional career with RB Salzburg before joining Arsenal in a £500,000 move from Grazer AK in June 1997. During his five years with the Gunners, he made 64 appearances before departing for Espanyol in 2002.
His career then took him to Italy, where he played for Torino, Bologna, Siena, and Juventus - collecting a Serie A winner's medal with the latter. In 2016, he joined Liverpool on a short-term deal but did not make any competitive appearances for the Reds.
Personal Qualities Remembered
Seaman remembered his friend's competitive nature and dedication to his craft. "He was so competitive in the standards that he set himself," Seaman said. "He wanted to be the best and if he let a goal in, he wouldn't shut up about it. He never stopped analysing the goals he let in because of how good he wanted to be."
The two goalkeepers shared a passion for fishing, spending many hours together on the lakes. "He was a great friend, too," Seaman added. "And like me was a fisherman and we spent many hours together on the lakes. My thoughts are with his wife and young family."
Football World Mourns
Arsenal paid tribute to their former player on social media, writing: "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Rest in peace, Alex."
Liverpool also expressed their condolences: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time."
Juventus and Buffon Pay Respects
Juventus remembered Manninger as "a man of rare values," stating: "Today is a very sad day. We have lost not only a great athlete, but a man of rare values: humility, dedication and an exceptional sense of professionalism. Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch."
Former Juventus teammate Gianluigi Buffon posted a moving tribute on Instagram, praising Manninger's character and independence from football's pressures. "You chose to remain independent from the addiction of the world of football, seeking your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family," Buffon wrote. "This was your credo."
Buffon continued: "In a world often bowed and genuflected, chasing oppression, careerism, and easy money, you always asserted your freedom, maintaining an upright posture, with the pride of someone who knows what you want. You had the strength to distance yourself from all this and look at us with that sly smile of yours."
The football community now mourns the loss of a talented goalkeeper and respected individual whose contributions to Arsenal's historic double-winning season will forever be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
