David Seaman's Emotional Tribute to Alex Manninger Following Tragic Death
Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically passed away at the age of 48. The Austrian's death occurred on Thursday morning after his car was involved in a collision with a train near Salzburg, Austria.
Seaman Remembers a 'Massive Player' for Arsenal
David Seaman, the legendary Arsenal goalkeeper, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate, describing Manninger as a 'great friend' and a 'massive player' in the club's history. 'It is devastating news,' Seaman, 62, told the Press Association. 'It is really sad and it is difficult to get your head around it.'
Manninger made 64 appearances during his five-year spell at Arsenal, joining the Gunners in a £500,000 move from Grazer AK in June 1997. He played a pivotal role in the 1997/98 season, deputising for the injured Seaman during a critical period. His performances were instrumental in helping Arsenal secure both the Premier League title and the FA Cup, achieving the double in Arsene Wenger's first full season in charge.
Key Contributions to Arsenal's Success
Seaman highlighted Manninger's impressive contributions during that season. 'He came in and deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double,' Seaman recalled. 'He did amazingly well. He was just a young lad when he broke into the first team. For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special.'
During his 13-game stint, Manninger kept a clean sheet in a crucial 1-0 league victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford and saved penalties in the FA Cup quarter-final win against West Ham. Seaman admitted, 'The fans loved him. And I must admit it was touch and go as to whether I would get back in the side.'
Manninger's Career and Personal Qualities
Beyond his time at Arsenal, Manninger's career included spells at Espanyol, several Italian clubs such as Torino, Bologna, Siena, and Juventus—where he won a Serie A title—and a short-term deal with Liverpool in 2016, though he did not make a competitive appearance for the Reds. Capped 33 times by Austria, he began his career with RB Salzburg.
Seaman also praised Manninger's personal qualities and dedication. 'When you looked at him, he was very athletic, had a great spring and made great saves,' he said. 'He was so competitive in the standards that he set himself. 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.'
A Personal Bond and Final Thoughts
The two goalkeepers shared a close friendship, bonding over their love of fishing. '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.'
According to reports from Austria, the accident occurred on a level crossing on the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg. The news has sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in for the former goalkeeper.
