Former Arsenal And Liverpool Legend Dies In Train Crash

A former Arsenal and Liverpool legend is dead after a train crash.

NewsRain Nigeria reports that the former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper passed away on Thursday after his car was struck by a train in Salzburg.

Local reports say that Manninger was driving at a level crossing in Pabing, near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, at 8:20 am before his vehicle was dragged several metres by the train.

Believed to be driving alone, Manninger was pulled from the wreckage but sadly died at the scene.

Austrian outlet Salzburg ORF added that the 25 passengers who were on board the train are thought to be unharmed.

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The Austrian FA (OFB) confirmed his death by posting 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 played 39 times for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, the final year of which he became third choice and was loaned to Fiorentina in Italy.

Predominately backup to David Seaman, Manninger helped the Gunners win both the Premier League title and FA Cup during his time in North London.

Arsenal said in a tribute: “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. Rest in peace, Alex.”

In a career that spanned 22 years and 15 different clubs, Liverpool was his final destination. He was signed by Jurgen Klopp ahead of the 2016-17 season, although he didn’t make an appearance for Liverpool’s first team.

The club offered their condolences by saying: “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.”

Manninger also played for Juventus and earned 33 caps for his country. Tributes are also flooding in from across Europe.

Red Bull Salzburg, for whom Manninger enjoyed two spells playing, posted: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”

Juventus said, “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.”

Another tribute reads: “Fiorentina mourns the sudden passing of Alex Manninger, the Viola goalkeeper in the 2001-2002 season, who had a long career in Italy and as the Austrian national team’s goalkeeper. The entire club joins his family in this moment of profound grief.”

Italian giants Napoli added: “President Aurelio De Laurentiis and all of SSC Napoli join in the mourning for the passing of Alexander Manninger, the goalkeeper who starred in a prestigious career in Italian and European football.”

Just this month, Manninger revealed that he regretted leaving Arsenal ‘too soon’, having been desperate to play more regular football. He told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport: “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 with the 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.”