Former Liverpool and Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died
Alex Manninger has died(Image: 2016 Liverpool FC)
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Former Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died in a car accident at 48 years old. Reports in Austria claim that his car was struck by a train at an unguarded level crossing in the municipality of Nußdorf am Haunsberg.
The shot-stopper trained with Liverpool to maintain match fitness while he looked for a club after leaving Augsburg in 2016. He signed a one-year deal with the Reds in July that year but did not make any competitive appearances before retiring in May 2017.
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, helping the Gunners secure the Double in 1998 after excelling when he stepped in for the injured David Seaman. The Austrian also spent several years in Spain and Italy, including a spell with Juventus.
Former club Austria Salzburg paid tribute on social media platform Instagram. They said: "It is with great shock that we learned about the tragic accident in Nußdorf, where Alexander Manninger lost his life.
"Alexander was not only a part of the Austrian family from 1984 to 1996, but above all a person who left his mark - on and off the court."In these difficult hours, our deep sympathies go out to his family, his relatives and all those who were close to him."
The Austrian FA (OFB) posted on social media: "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."
Manninger revealed just this month that he regretted leaving Arsenal 'too soon', having been desperate to play more regular football. Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: "It makes me emotional just thinking about it.
"I was 20, a kid. [Arsene] Wenger wanted to bring an international dimension to the club and focus on young players. I was one of them. Arsene even introduced a training camp, which was unusual for the Premier League at the time.
"I have to say that, despite my age, I felt comfortable in goal. Up front I had a giant like Tony Adams. He taught me so much.
"I only have one regret: leaving too soon. But you know, I wanted to play."
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