Former Arsenal goalkeeper Manniger dies in traffic accident

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger died in a traffic accident, his first club Red Bull Salzburg announced, Sky Sports reports.

Manninger, 48, helped Arsenal to the double in 1997/98, coming on for David Seaman in seven Premier League appearances and saving a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final against West Ham.

He played 64 games for the Gunners between 1997 and 2002, before moving through Serie A, with clubs such as Fiorentina, Siena and Juventus, the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Ball Salzburg and the German Bundesliga, with FA Augsburg. He finished his career at Liverpool but did not appear there.

Arsenal said in a statement: “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.”

Also read: Mikel reveals what Arsenal must do to secure the Premier League title

Manninger also earned 33 international caps for Austria and was part of the squad for Euro 2008 held jointly with Switzerland in that country.

Red Bull Salzburg, where he went through the academy, published a statement on X on Thursday saying: “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.”