Former Arsenal keeper Alexander Manninger dies in tragic train collision

Vienna: Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who also represented Austria at Euro 2008, has died on Thursday after his car was struck by a train, according to his former club Red Bull Salzburg.

The 48-year-old lost his life when a train hit his vehicle while it was crossing railway tracks in the Salzburg region, Austrian news agency APA reported.

Club and football world pay tribute

Red Bull Salzburg confirmed the tragic news in a post on Facebook, expressing grief over the loss of their former player.

“We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident,” the club said.

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

Condolences from Football Associations and clubs

The Austrian Football Association and Arsenal also issued messages of condolence following the news.

“With him, the world of football has lost a very special person,” the Austrian Football Association wrote on X.

Arsenal posted on X: “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.”

Investigation into accident underway

Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were injured in the incident. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation by police.

Career at Arsenal and across Europe

Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, during which he won both the Premier League and the FA Cup.

He also earned 33 international caps for Austria and was part of the squad for Euro 2008, hosted on home soil.

Club career and later years

He began his professional career at his hometown club Red Bull Salzburg and went on to play for several European sides, including Siena, Juventus, Udinese and Augsburg.

At the age of 39, Manninger signed a short-term contract with Liverpool in 2016, although he did not make an appearance for the club.

With agency inputs