Former Arsenal, Juventus GK Manninger dead at 48

Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48, the Austrian Football Association confirmed on Thursday.

Local police in his hometown of Salzburg say his car was struck by a train.

“Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch,” Peter Schottel, the AFA sporting director said in a statement. “His professionalism, composure and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team. His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable.”

A product of now Red Bull Salzburg academy, Manninger made his professional debut in 1995. He went on to play in 21 seasons across Europe with stints at the likes of Arsenal, Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Juventus and Augsburg. He was on the books of Liverpool in 2016-2017, Manninger’s final season as an active player, but did not suit up.

“Today is a very sad day,” Juventus said in a statement. “We have lost not only a great athlete, but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism. Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch. Juventus expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands close to his family in this moment of grief.”

In 1998, he won a double with Arsenal, claiming the Premier League title and the FA Cup. Manninger would also win a Scudetto in 2012 with Juve.

“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger,” the Gunner said in a statement. “All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.”

Internationally, Manninger was capped 33 times by Austria and was a member of the squad who played at home at Euro 2008.