'Key figure in Arsenal's double triumph' goalkeeper dies in train collision... Fans shocked after interview just two weeks ago: "I was happy during my EPL days"

*This content was translated by AI.

Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper who played a key role in the club's English Premier League (EPL) "double," has died in a traffic accident. He was 48 years old.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 16th (local time) that former Arsenal goalkeeper Manninger lost his life in a collision between a train and a vehicle in Austria.

According to local police, the accident occurred on the 16th at an unguarded crossing in Nussdorf am Hainberg, Austria. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene but were unable to revive the victim. Manninger was alone in the car, and all approximately 25 passengers on the train involved in the collision are safe. Police investigations are currently underway.

Born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1977, Manninger joined Arsenal on the day before his 20th birthday, serving as a backup to David Seaman at the time. As Arsenal's first Austrian player, he made 64 appearances over four seasons.

Notably, during the 1997–98 season, he recorded six consecutive clean sheets in the league, replacing the injured Schmeichel and halting Manchester United's pursuit. His standout performances included a 1-0 away victory at Old Trafford and his role in the FA Cup quarter-final penalty shootout against West Ham, where his team of 10 players faced off after Dennis Bergkamp's dismissal. Although the standard requirement for receiving a championship medal was participation in at least 10 league matches, a special exception was granted to him for playing only seven games, and he was awarded a winning medal.

After leaving Arsenal in 2002, he played for more than a decade in Italy with Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena, and Juventus, and also spent one season with Red Bull Salzburg. Following four years at Augsburg in Germany, he signed a short-term contract with Liverpool before retiring from active play in 2017 at the age of 40. As a national team player, he earned 33 caps over 10 years, participating in the 1998 France World Cup and Euro 2008.

After retirement, he operated a home remodeling business in Austria, leveraging his background as a carpenter.

Even the content of the final interview with Italy's "Gazzetta dello Sport," released just two weeks ago, adds to the sense of regret. Manninger recalled, "Thinking about my time at Arsenal still excites me. I was one of the young players noticed by manager Wenger. It was peaceful having a giant like Tony Adams ahead of me. My only regret is leaving the team too early." He also added regarding his time at Liverpool, "It all started with a single phone call from Klopp. Although I couldn't play, saying goodbye in front of the Kop was an incredible feeling."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.