Ex-Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper Manninger dies at 48 in tragic car accident
Former Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a tragic car accident on Thursday morning.
The former Austria international was involved in a fatal collision with a train at around 8:20 at a level crossing without barriers, according to Austrian media, cited by Gazzetta.
Manninger was driving a minivan, and it is still unclear whether the red warning signal at the crossing was active at the time of the crash.
Despite the prompt arrival of emergency services, Manninger was declared dead at the scene.
The local train involved was carrying around 25 passengers, all of whom, along with the driver, were unharmed.
The English FA and RB Salzburg, one of Manninger’s former clubs, have confirmed the death of the former goalkeeper.
“We join in mourning our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically passed away in a road accident,” the club wrote.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
Manninger gave his last interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport just a few days ago. He had made 137 Serie A appearances, playing for Juventus, Torino, Siena, Bologna and Fiorentina, winning the Scudetto with Juve under Antonio Conte in 2011-12.
He also made 64 appearances with Arsenal, winning the Premier League title in 1997-98.