Legendary Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper dies in horrific car accident

Austrian and world football are in a state of profound shock. Former Austria national team goalkeeper, as well as Arsenal, Juventus, and Liverpool shot-stopper Alexander Manninger, tragically lost his life this Thursday.

Details: According to Sky Sport Austria, the incident occurred in his hometown of Salzburg: preliminary reports indicate that the 48-year-old ex-footballer drove onto a railway crossing while the barriers were down, where his car was struck by a local train. Police have already launched an investigation into all circumstances surrounding the catastrophe.

Manninger was a true legend of Austrian football. In 1997, he became the first player from his country to sign for the English Premier League, joining London’s Arsenal. He made 39 appearances for the Gunners, playing a crucial role in their historic double-winning campaign in 1997/98 while deputizing for the iconic David Seaman. Manninger also guarded the posts for giants like Juventus and Fiorentina, and spent two seasons at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp at the twilight of his career.

Manninger earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team, including representing his country at their home Euro 2008 tournament.