Ex-Team goalkeeper Alexander Manninger dies in fatal accident

The Austrian football community is mourning the tragic loss of former national team goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who died in a devastating traffic accident on Thursday. Manninger, 48, was involved in a collision with the Salzburger Lokalbahn train in Nußdorf am Haunsberg. Despite immediate efforts, all attempts to save him were in vain.

Manninger's career was marked by significant achievements, beginning at Austria Salzburg. In 1997, he made history as the first Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) player to transfer to the English Premier League, joining Arsenal. For the "Gunners," he played 39 games and was part of the squad that secured the league and FA Cup double in the 1997/98 season.

His career then took him primarily to Italy, where he played for clubs such as AC Siena and Juventus Turin. Manninger concluded his playing career in England as the reserve goalkeeper for Liverpool during the 2016/17 season. Nationally, he earned 33 caps for Austria and served as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Jürgen Macho during the Euro 2008 home championship.

Manninger's passing leaves a void in Austrian football. His contributions as a player, both at the club level in top European leagues and for the national team, have left a lasting legacy. The circumstances of his death have sent shockwaves through the sporting world, highlighting the fragility of life even for those who have achieved great success.