Alex Manninger: Former Arsenal star dies after car hit by train | OneFootball

Former goalkeeper won the Premier League and FA Cup with Gunners

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has been killed in a car accident at the age of 48.

According to local police, the incident occurred at an unguarded level crossing on the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg.

Local media outlet Salzburg ORF report that Manninger's car was hit by a train while crossing.

Manninger played a part in Arsenal’s 1998 double-winning side and lifted the Serie A title in 2012 with Juventus, spanning a playing career that lasted more than 20 years.

He was most recently on the books at Liverpool, though he did not make an appearance for the Reds, before retiring in 2017 following the expiration of his contract.

The Austria international made 33 appearances for his country and was part of the squad that co-hosted the 2008 European Championships alongside Switzerland.

Alex Manninger in 1998

PA

Manninger played for 11 different clubs throughout his career after making his debut for SV Austria Salzburg (now Red Bull Salzburg) in 1995 at the age of 18.

He went on to make a total of 277 appearances, including 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002. He became the first Austrian to play for Arsenal in the Premier League.

Following his retirement, Manninger, who was a trained carpenter before pursuing a career in football, returned to his roots in the construction industry and ran a business dealing in house renovations, furniture, and real estate.

Red Bull Salzburg confirmed the news on social media.

”It is with great shock that we learned about the tragic accident in Nussdorf, where Alexander Manninger lost his life,” the club shared in a statement.

”Alexander was not only a part of the Austrian family from 1984 to 1996, but above all a person who left his mark - on and off the pitch.

”In these difficult hours, our deep sympathies go out to his family, his relatives and all those who were close to him.

It said: "We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander."