Alex Manninger, former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper, dies aged 48

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48.

Manninger, who also played for Juventus and briefly Liverpool, as well as the Austrian national team, was involved in a car accident on Thursday, when his vehicle was struck by a local train near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, 90 kilometres north of Salzburg.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Salzburg State police confirmed their attendance at the accident.

“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,” the statement read.

“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.

“According to initial investigations, the car was struck and dragged by a train of the Salzburg Local Railway while crossing the tracks. The driver was alone in the vehicle. The train driver was unharmed.”

The police have not released any further information regarding the accident and have said an investigation is ongoing.

Manninger spent five years at Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in 1998. He also won the Serie A title with Juventus in 2012 and won 33 caps with Austria, the most recent of which came in 2009.

He signed a short-term deal with Liverpool in 2016, at the age of 39, but did not make an appearance for the club.

In a statement, the Austrian Football Association said: “The news of Alex Manninger’s death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person. In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Much strength for the time ahead.”

Sporting director Peter Schoettel added: “Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch. His international career set standards and inspired and influenced many young goalkeepers.

“His professionalism, composure, and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team. His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

His former Juventus team-mate Gianluigi Buffon posted a letter to Manninger on Instagram, writing: “Words are superfluous. Every tear would be just another one shed for the loss of a friend and a person I have always admired.

“You chose to remain independent of the allure of the football world, seeking your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. That was your creed.

“You had the strength to walk away from all of this (football) and look at us with that sly smile of yours, as if to say: ‘You’re all mad, you’ll never have me’.

“I hope — indeed, I am certain — that from up there you will continue to guide your wonderful children and your young wife.”

Manninger’s former clubs also posted tributes to him.

Analysis: How young goalkeeper won Arsenal fans’ hearts in 1998

Manninger won the hearts of Arsenal as a young goalkeeper when he was thrust into the spotlight during the 1997-98 season.

He was recruited as a back-up keeper to the established figure of David Seaman, and took over at a crucial period. Manninger was a goalkeeper who played with visible intensity and desire, and he equalled a record for consecutive clean sheets as Arsenal hunted a double.

That run included two outstanding performances — at Old Trafford in the Premier League and Upton Park in an FA Cup penalty shootout. It ensured his popularity with the supporters, and the friendship and admiration of manager Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal team-mates.

His heroics were so highly regarded during that campaign, he was given a Premier League winner’s medal, which was exceptional as the rules at the time required players to have made 10 league appearances to receive one. He continued his career elsewhere but his spell of brilliance is stitched in the club’s history.

Amy Lawrence

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