Manninger trained with Liverpool to maintain match fitness while he looked for a club after leaving Augsburg in 2016
Ragnar Klavan and goalkeeper Alex Manninger
Ragnar Klavan and goalkeeper Alex Manninger(Image: Ragnar Klavan Instagram)
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Former Liverpool centre-back Ragnar Klavan has sent a heartfelt message to ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger after he tragically died aged 48 when his car was struck by a train at an unguarded level crossing in the municipality of Nußdorf am Haunsberg in Austria.
Manninger 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.
However, for Arsenal he made 64 appearances between 1997 and 2002 and helped the London side secure the double in 1998 after stepping in for the injured David Seaman. The Austrian also spent several years in Spain and Italy, including a spell with Juventus.
Although Manninger's stint on Merseyside was short, tributes from former players he worked alongside have been shared. Ragnar Klavan, who made 53 appearances for Liverpool between 2016 and 2018, wrote on Instagram: "Today, my heart is heavy. We lost an incredible person far too soon.
"A teammate, a friend, and above all, a truly exceptional human being. We shared the pitch together, but more importantly, we shared moments that I will carry with me forever."
The Estonian who bid farewell to the Reds by completing a permanent transfer to Cagliari in the summer of 2018, continued: "He was one of the kindest and most professional person I have ever met. Always there for others, always giving his best — not just in football, but in life. Someone you could trust, respect, and learn from every single day.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who has died in a traffic accident at the age of 48
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who has died in a traffic accident at the age of 48(Image: PA Wire)
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"The world has lost an amazing father, a loyal friend, and a person who made everyone around him better. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, my friend. You will never be forgotten."
Liverpool FC released a statement on their website after the tragic death of Manninger. It said: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.
"The Austrian arrived at Anfield in July 2016 to spend the final season of his lengthy playing career as a Red. Brought in as an experienced back-up goalkeeper, he featured in two friendly fixtures and was named in the matchday squad on four occasions during that campaign."
The tribute continued: "Manninger represented a host of clubs in Europe across two decades – including hometown side Red Bull Salzburg, Arsenal, Fiorentina, Juventus and FC Augsburg.
"He earned 33 senior caps for Austria, the first of which came in August 1999. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time."