Fiorentina to honour Manninger as Buffon posts heartfelt message | OneFootball

Fiorentina will honour Alex Manninger with a minute’s silence before tonight’s Conference League quarter-final against Crystal Palace, as tributes arrive from Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini following the former goalkeeper’s death at 48.

According to Football Italia, UEFA have permitted the pre-match tribute and the Viola will wear black armbands.

Manninger died this morning in Austria when his car was struck by a train at a level crossing.

The Austria international made 137 Serie A appearances, representing Juventus, Siena, Fiorentina, Bologna and Torino.

Buffon posted an emotional Instagram message, saying words felt superfluous after losing a friend he admired. He praised Manninger’s choice to live simply, close to nature and family, and his determination to remain independent of football’s bustle.

He recalled a sly smile as if to tell others they were crazy and would never catch him. He added that he hoped, indeed was certain, Manninger would continue to guide his children and young wife.

Chiellini, now Juventus’s director of football strategy, called him an exemplary team-mate and offered condolences to his family. Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner also shared messages.

Source: Football Italia