Former Arsenal and Austria goalkeeper Alex Manninger died after his car was reportedly hit by a train in Salzburg on Thursday.
The Bundesliga outfit announced on Thursday that the 48-year-old had died, in a post on its official X account.
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.”
Salzburg police did not name Manninger but Austria national broadcaster ORF reported he was fatally injured in an incident at a level crossing on Thursday morning local time.
Police said a car was struck and dragged by a train while crossing the tracks. The driver was alone and the train driver was unharmed.
The Associated Press has contacted police for confirmation.
“On April 16th at approximately 8:20 a.m., police were called to a traffic accident involving a local train and a car at a level crossing in Nußdorf am Haunsberg,” police said.
“Upon arrival, emergency responders found that the car’s driver, a 48-year-old man from Salzburg, had already been freed from the vehicle by first responders and was undergoing CPR. Police assisted with resuscitation efforts, including the use of a defibrillator. Despite further efforts by paramedics and an emergency physician, resuscitation was unsuccessful. The man from Salzburg succumbed to his injuries.”
Capped 33 times by Austria, Manninger joined the Gunners in a £500,000 move from Grazer AK in June 1997 where he made 64 appearances under Arsene Wenger and won the Premier League during a five-year stay before leaving for Espanyol, with David Seaman and Richard Wright blocking his path to the first team.
Arsenal wrote on X: “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.
“All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.
“Rest in peace, Alex.”
He also had spells with Torino, Bologna, Siena and Juventus — with whom he collected a Serie A winner’s medal — in Italy, Augsburg in Germany and briefly Liverpool back in the English top flight.
The Austrian football association also mourned his death, saying he was an “outstanding” servant.
Sporting director Peter Schottel said on the association’s official website: “Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador of Austrian football on and off the pitch.
“With his international career, he has set standards and inspired and shaped many young goalkeepers.
“His professionalism, his calmness and his reliability have made him an important part of his teams and also of the national team. His achievements deserve the highest respect and will remain unforgotten.
“In this difficult time, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Manninger did not make a competitive appearance for Liverpool after joining on a short-term deal in July 2016 for what proved to be his final season.
A post on the Reds’ X account read: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.
“The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Juventus celebrated the life of “a man of rare values.”
They said on X: “Today is a very sad day. We have lost not only a great athlete, but a man of rare values: humility, dedication and an exceptional sense of professionalism.
“Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch.
“Juventus expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands close to his family in this moment of grief.”
Manninger worked as a carpenter before getting his break in football and put those skills to good use after retirement in his own renovation business.
He had few regrets from a career which saw him work under Wenger, Antonio Conte and Jurgen Klopp, and play alongside the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero, but admitted to one in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this month.
Asked about his time at Arsenal, he said: “It excites me just thinking about it. I was 20 years old, I was a kid. Wenger wanted to bring an international dimension to the club and focus on young people. I was one of those.
“I must say that, despite my age, I felt calm in goal. I had a sacred monster like Tony Adams in front of me. He taught me a lot.
“I have only one regret: leaving too soon. But, you know, I wanted to play.”
Information from PA and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
