Former Arsenal goalkeeper who deputised for David Seaman during the 1997-98 double-winning season has died in tragic circumstances in Austria
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train, the Austrian Football Association has confirmed.
The Austrian international, who made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, was a key squad member during the club's Premier League and FA Cup double-winning season.
Manninger arrived at Highbury in summer 1997 as backup to England's number one David Seaman. What seemed a thankless task became crucial to Arsenal's historic campaign.
The Austrian keeper stepped up when Seaman suffered injuries during the 1997-98 season, keeping six clean sheets in his deputising role. His performances maintained Arsenal's momentum during a critical period of their double charge.
Manninger's contribution went beyond statistics. His professionalism set standards in training that pushed Seaman to maintain peak form.
Arsène Wenger later praised Manninger's attitude, noting how the Austrian never complained despite limited opportunities. This epitomised the squad depth that separated Arsenal from their rivals that season.
After leaving Arsenal in 2002, Manninger embarked on a journeyman career that took him across Europe's top leagues.
His subsequent clubs included:
At Juventus, Manninger found another successful spell as backup, winning three Serie A titles between 2008 and 2012. His experience proved invaluable in developing younger goalkeepers at the club.
Even at Liverpool in 2016, aged 39, Jürgen Klopp valued his presence as a mentor to younger keepers, demonstrating his enduring professionalism.
For Austria, Manninger earned 33 caps between 1999 and 2008, representing his country at their home European Championship in 2008.
Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch. His professionalism, composure and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team.
Austrian Football Association sporting director Peter Schottel paid tribute to Manninger's lasting impact on Austrian football.
Manninger competed for Austria's number one spot throughout his international career, embodying the same professionalism that defined his club career.
His inclusion in the Euro 2008 squad on home soil represented the pinnacle of his international career, though he served as backup to Jürgen Macho during the tournament.
The circumstances of Manninger's death have shocked the football community. Train-vehicle collisions remain rare but devastating incidents.
Former teammates and clubs have begun paying tribute to the goalkeeper. Arsenal are expected to honour Manninger before their next fixture, recognising his contribution to one of the club's greatest seasons.
Manninger's death at just 48 serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility. His career demonstrated that success in football isn't measured solely in appearances.
He exemplified the vital role of squad players, maintaining standards and pushing first-choice players whilst waiting patiently for opportunities.
Austrian authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the train collision. The football community will continue to pay respects to a player who represented professionalism throughout his career.
Manninger's legacy lives on through the goalkeepers he mentored and the example he set. His contribution to Arsenal's double-winning season ensures his place in the club's history, whilst his dedication to Austrian football won't be forgotten.
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Alex Manninger died at age 48 when his car was struck by a train in Austria. The Austrian Football Association confirmed the tragic accident.
Alex Manninger was Arsenal's backup goalkeeper who made 64 appearances between 1997-2002. He was crucial during Arsenal's 1997-98 Premier League and FA Cup double-winning season, keeping six clean sheets when deputising for David Seaman.
Alex Manninger earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team between 1999 and 2008. He represented Austria at the Euro 2008 tournament held in his home country.
After Arsenal, Manninger played for Fiorentina, Espanyol, Bologna, Siena, Juventus, Augsburg, Liverpool, and Graz. He won three Serie A titles with Juventus between 2008-2012.
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