Credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died aged 48 following a tragic train accident in Austria, with his devastated wife Emily describing herself as “broken” in a heartbreaking tribute.
The ex-Austria international was killed on Thursday morning in Salzburg when his car was struck by a train on a level crossing at Pabing, near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, at approximately 8:20am.
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Manninger, who made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, was treated by first responders who freed him from his vehicle after it was dragged several metres. Despite the quick arrival of paramedics, medical teams were unable to resuscitate him.
Wife pays emotional tribute
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Emily Manninger shared a deeply personal tribute to her late husband on Facebook, writing: “Alex, I cannot express the unimaginable pain I am feeling. We are not the sort of family to share such sorrow and pain publicly, but I have no choice, as the outpouring of love from around the world has overwhelmed me.”
“To put into words the extreme tragedy we are facing as a family is extremely difficult, if not impossible,” she continued. The couple shared two sons, Alexander and Nicolas.
In her emotional message, Emily praised Manninger as both a devoted father and husband: “Alex, you were the most amazing father to the boys — they absolutely adored you. Being your wife was where I belonged. Not only were you my husband, you were my best friend.”
She described their life in Salzburg, mentioning their shared activities including walks, lake trips, paddleboarding, hiking, skiing and golfing. “We had such a perfect life,” Emily wrote.
Arsenal career and beyond
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Manninger joined Arsenal from FC Admira Wacker in 1997 as understudy to David Seaman. The Austrian keeper featured prominently during the Gunners’ 1997-98 Premier League and FA Cup double-winning campaign, making 24 league appearances when Seaman was injured.
He remained at Highbury until 2002, though his opportunities became limited following Seaman’s return to fitness. After leaving north London, Manninger had spells at Torino, Bologna and Fiorentina before joining Liverpool in 2016 as third-choice goalkeeper.
Emily’s tribute highlighted her husband’s character beyond football: “You were extremely respectful — calm, genuine, organised, driven, kind-hearted, gentle, and loyal. You were highly educated and spoke several languages, one being Scouse.”
The train driver and approximately 25 passengers aboard the train were unharmed in the accident. [According to the Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755977/alex-manninger-wife-tribute-death-austria.html), an investigation by the public prosecutor is ongoing, with electronic data from Manninger’s Volkswagen minivan potentially being analysed.
Manninger earned 34 caps for Austria during his international career. He leaves behind his wife Emily and their two young sons, with the football community mourning the loss of a respected goalkeeper who served both Arsenal and Austrian football with distinction.