Alex Manninger is dead: Gigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci devastated

Former Juventus goalkeeper Alex Manninger died at age 48 from a serious car accident Thursday morning near Salzburg. The Austrian extreme defender, who played 10 years in Italy between Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena and Juventus, was remembered with affection by many of his former teammates.

Among them also former Bianconeri teammates Gianluigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci, who were very shaken by his passing: “Dear Alex, every word is superfluous. Every tear would be just the umpteenth for the loss of a friend and a person I have always admired,” the former Azzurri goalkeeper wrote on social media. Manninger was Buffon’s deputy for years, and there was a great relationship of esteem and respect between the two.

“You chose to remain independent of the addictive world of soccer, going in search of your happiness in simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo. In a world that is often stooped and genuflected, chasing after overwhelm, careerism and easy gains, you always claimed your freedom, maintaining an upright posture, with the pride of one who knows what he wants.”

“You had the strength to step away from it all and look at us with that sly smile of yours, as if to say, “You’re all crazy, you’ll never have me.” I hope, indeed, I am sure, that from up there you will continue to guide your beautiful children and your young wife. Rest in peace. Gigi.”

Leonardo Bonucci still can’t believe it, and on social media he expressed this thought: “A few months ago we met and you told me about your new life. It’s hard to accept all this. Rest in peace Alex!”

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