Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has been killed at the age of 48 after his car was hit by a train.
The tragic crash happened on Thursday morning at an unguarded level crossing in Nussdorf am Haunsberg, Austria, according to local police, The Sun reports.
Emergency services were quickly on the scene but were unable to revive him.
Manninger was alone in his car while the train involved in the collision was carrying around 25 passengers, who were all uninjured.
A police investigation is now underway.
Manninger won a Premier League and FA Cup double with Arsenal, a Serie A title at Juventus and finished his career with a short-term stint at Liverpool.
He also spent 10 years in the Austrian national team, earning 33 caps and going to two major tournaments – the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2008.
In retirement, former carpenter Manninger used his skills in woodwork, which he called his “first love“, and launched his own business renovating houses in Austria.
Manninger was born in Salzburg in 1977 and joined Arsenal a day before his 20th birthday to become David Seaman‘s understudy.
He played 64 games across four seasons and was the first Austrian ever to play for the Gunners.
Manninger played a major role in the double triumph, filling in for the injured Seaman at a vital point in the campaign.
He kept six consecutive Prem clean sheets to help hold off the charging Manchester United, excelled in a 1-0 win over the Red Devils at Old Trafford, and starred in an FA Cup quarter-final shootout against West Ham.
At the time, players needed to have amassed 10 Premier League appearances in a season to pick up a winner’s medal.
But a special exemption was made for the heroic Manninger – who only played seven games – and he received his silverware.
After leaving North London in 2002, Manninger spent more than a decade in Italy with Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena and Juve, with a single-season spell at Red Bull Salzburg sandwiched in the middle.
He then enjoyed four years with German club Augsburg before signing a short-term contract at Liverpool and training on Merseyside to stay sharp.
That was to be the last move of his career, however, and Manninger retired in 2017 shortly before his 40th birthday.
Tributes have been pouring in since news of Manninger’s sudden death broke on Thursday.
Arsenal wrote on X: “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. May he rest in peace.”
Former Gunners skipper Tony Adams posted a picture of him with Manninger and captioned it: “Heartbreaking.”
Liverpool posted: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.
“The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Juventus added: “Today is a terribly sad day. He has left us not only as a great athlete, but as a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an extraordinary professional seriousness.
“Juventus expresses its condolences for the passing of Alex Manninger and stands with the family in this moment of grief.”
Director of the Austrian FA, Peter Schottel, called Manninger an “outstanding ambassador” for the country.
He added: “With his international career, he set standards and inspired many young goalkeepers.
“His professionalism, calmness and reliability made him an important part of his teams and also of the national side. His achievements deserve the highest respect and will not be forgotten.”
Manninger got all giddy discussing his Arsenal days with Gazzetta dello Sport in his final interview, which was published less than two weeks ago.
He said: “It still excites me just thinking about it.
“I was 20 years old, I was a kid. [Arsene] Wenger wanted to bring an international dimension to the club and focus on youngsters, I was one of them.
“Despite my age, I felt calm in goal. I had a monster like Tony Adams in front of me. He taught me a lot.
“I only have one regret: leaving too soon. But you know, I wanted to play.”
He also reflected on a season at Liverpool that doubled up as his footballing farewell.
Manninger recalled: “It all started with a phone call. Jurgen [Klopp] knew everything about me.
“I never actually played, I was 40, but leaving football and saying goodbye to the fans in front of the Kop was an amazing feeling.”
This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.
