'Tragedy': EPL Legend Dies in Train Accident at 48 "Vehicle Collided with Train... Circumstances Under Investigation"

*This content was translated by AI.

It is a tragic accident. The legendary goalkeeper Alex Manninger (48), a key figure in Arsenal's double-winning campaign, has passed away in an unexpected traffic accident, plunging the football world into deep sorrow.

British outlet The Sun reported on the 18th (Korea time) that Manninger, a former goalkeeper who achieved the double with Arsenal in the English Premier League (EPL) and the FA Cup, died at the age of 48 after his car collided with a train while driving in Austria.

According to local police, the accident occurred at an unmanned level crossing in Nussdorf am Haunsberg, Austria. The vehicle driven by Manninger collided with a train, and an emergency rescue team rushed to the scene, but Manninger ultimately passed away. At the time, approximately 25 passengers were on the train, but no injuries were reported. Authorities are currently investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.

Manninger is the first Austrian-born player in Arsenal's history and was the unsung hero behind the 1997–1998 EPL and FA Cup double. Deployed to fill the gap left by injured first-choice goalkeeper David Seaman, Manninger set a remarkable record of six consecutive league matches without conceding a goal, repelling the pursuit of Manchester United. In particular, his away victory at Old Trafford and his spectacular saves during the FA Cup quarter-final penalty shootout against West Ham United are still regarded as iconic moments by local fans.

Manninger later played for Fiorentina and Torino in Italy before winning the Serie A title with Juventus. He also played for Augsburg in Germany and Liverpool, finally retiring from professional football in 2017. Notably, Manninger also represented the Austrian national team in 33 matches, participating in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2008. After retirement, he worked as a home remodeling entrepreneur in his homeland, utilizing his woodworking skills, which he called his first love.

Tributes poured in from his former clubs upon hearing the news. Arsenal issued an official statement saying, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of Manninger. Our thoughts are with his family." Liverpool and Juventus also expressed their condolences, stating, "We have lost one of the greatest professional players, known for his humility and dedication."

Furthermore, Manninger reportedly expressed his enduring love for football in a local interview just two weeks ago, saying, "Thinking back to my days at Arsenal still makes my heart race." Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams paid tribute to the late player, saying, "My heart is broken."

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*This content was translated by AI.