"Farewell, Legend: Heartfelt Tributes Flow for Alex Manninger, Former Arsenal Goalkeeper, Who Passed Away at 48"

TOUCHING tributes have flooded in after former Arsenal ace Alex Manninger’s tragic death.

after his vehicle was hit by a train in Austria.

Tributes poured for former Arsenal ace Alex Manninger after his tragic death Credit: Getty Images Manninger spent five years at Arsenal and a few months at Liverpool Credit: 2026 PA Media

The horrific accident took place at an unguarded level crossing on the local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg, according to local police.

The legend’s former club Red Bull Salzburg led tributes for their former keeper, who started his career in the club’s academy and went on to amass a total of 17 appearances across three stints.

Salzburg issued the following statement: “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.”

followed with a touching statement about the former player and his family.

The club tweeted: “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.”

TV presenter and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan also paid tribute to his beloved club’s former player.

Morgan tweeted: “Awful news coming out of Austria. Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died in a car crash aged just 48.

“It’s being reported that he drove through a level crossing with the barriers down and a train hit his car. Police now investigating. What a tragedy. RIP Alex.”

Juventus , where Manninger spent four years and made 42 appearances that led to a Serie A title, wrote: “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.”

Fans joined in saying their final farewell to Manninger on social media with some emotional statements.

One fan tweeted: “Rest in peace Alex.”

Another commented: “Blessings to his family and loved ones, awful loss.”

A third wrote: “Rest well, legend.”

This fan said: “God bless Alex and his family.”

Manninger’s rich career

And that one added: “Rest with the angels Alex.”

Manninger joined Arsenal a day before his 20th birthday to become ’s understudy and the first ever Austrian footballer to play for the Gunners.

The shot-stopper registered 64 appearances across five seasons with the North Londoners and won the as well as the FA Cup with them in his debut season.

The goalie left Arsenal in 2002 following a loan spell at and went on to play for the likes of Juventus, Espanyol, Torino, Siena Bologna, Udinese, Augsburg and former club Salzburg.

Manninger then signed a short-term contract with in 2016 and trained at Anfield to stay sharp but never made a senior appearance before his retirement in 2017.

The goalkeeper also spent a 10 years within the Austrian national team, where he earned 33 caps and competed in two major tournaments – the 1998 and Euro 2008, before his international retirement in 2009.