Manninger, the former Juventus goalkeeper who died in an accident: car hit by a train

A tragic accident cost the life of Alex Manninger48 enne ex Austrian goalkeeper who in Italy wore the shirts of Fiorentina, Turin, Bologna, Brescia, Siena and Juventus. According to Austrian media reports, the car in which Manninger was traveling was hit by a train at a level crossing near Salzburg shortly after 8am.

The 25 passengers on the train were unharmed, as was the train driver, while for the former doorman, despite the immediate arrival of help, there was nothing that could be done.

Career between Italy, Arsenal and Liverpool

Austrian international on 33 occasions, Manninger also played with l’Arsenal from 1997 to 2002 winning a Premier League and an FA Cup and then returned to England to end his career at Liverpool even if without ever taking the field.

“Alexander Manninger was an exceptional ambassador of Austrian football, both on and off the pitch – said the sporting director of the Vienna Football Association, Peter Schottel – His professionalism, calm and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team”.

The condolences of Arsenal and Juventus

“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger – the condolences of Gunners – Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.”

“Arriving in Turin in the summer of 2008, he wore black and white for four seasons, demonstrating how the role of the goalkeeper is not just made up of saves, but of charisma, reliability and silent spirit of sacrifice – the memory from Juve – in an era marked by the monumental presence of Gigi Buffon, Manninger knew how to be ready every time he was called into action, becoming an absolute point of reference for the locker room and a guarantee between the posts. We salute not only a great athlete, but a man with rare values: humility, dedication and an uncommon professional seriousness.”

The messages from Chiellini and Buffon

Moved by the message of Giorgio Chiellini (“A very sad day, an exemplary teammate and a person of great value greets us”) as well as that of Gigi Buffon: “Dear Alex, every word is superfluous. Every tear would be just another for the loss of a friend and a person I have always admired. You chose to remain independent from the addiction of the world of football, seeking your happiness in simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your belief.”

“In a world often bent and kneeling, chasing oppression, careerism and easy profits, you have always claimed your freedom, maintaining an upright posture, with the pride of someone who knows what he wants – Buffon’s words – You had the strength to distance yourself from all this and look at us with that sly smile of yours, as if to say: “you are all crazy, you will never have me”. I hope, indeed, I am certain, that from up there you will continue to lead the your beautiful children and your young wife.