Tragic accident in Austria, former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger died: he was only 48 years old

A tragedy shakes the world of soccer: Alex Manninger, a former Austrian goalkeeper with a past also in the Italian league, has died at only 48 in a car accident. According to initial reconstructions by Austrian media, his car allegedly crossed a barrier-free level crossing near Salzburg, being struck by a passing train.

Retired in 2017, Manninger had defended the posts, in Italy, of Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena and Juventus, with a brief passage at Brescia as well. He had also been a part of the rosters of Salzburg, Vorwärts Steyr, Grazer AK, Arsenal, Espanyol, Augsburg and Liverpool during his career.

The condolences of Salzburg, the club where he had grown up, came in a simple and touching message: “We join in the grief for the passing of our former goalkeeper Alex Manninger. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”