The football world is in mourning following the tragic death of former Austrian international goalkeeper Alex Manninger. Reports from Sky Austria confirm the 48-year-old was involved in a fatal collision with a local train at an unsecured crossing in Salzburg. Emergency services arrived quickly, but the veteran shot-stopper was pronounced dead at the scene. Manninger enjoyed a storied 22-year career, famously becoming the first Austrian to play in the Premier League when he joined Arsenal in 1997. He played a pivotal role in the Gunners’ 1997/98 double-winning season, keeping six consecutive clean sheets during the title run-in. His journey later took him to European giants like Juventus, Fiorentina, and eventually Liverpool, where he retired in 2017. Internationally, Manninger was a cornerstone for Austria, earning 33 caps and making the squad at Euro 2008. Tributes have poured in from his former clubs, with Arsenal and Juventus expressing deep shock at the loss of a player remembered for his professionalism and quiet leadership. Alex Manninger made 39 appearances for Arsenal and enjoyed a lengthy spell in Serie A, most notably keeping 13 clean sheets in 42 appearances for Juventus. Post navigation Former Arsenal & Liverpool star Alex Manninger dies aged 48 Nine Liverpool players heading for Anfield exit this summer