Former Arsenal keeper Manninger dies after car hit by train

Alex Manninger died after his car was struck by a train. Police said the incident happened at about 08:20 local time (07:20 BST) at a level crossing near Salzburg. Salzburg police said first responders used a defibrillator on Manninger, who was alone in the car, after he was freed from the vehicle, which was dragged along by the train, but could not resuscitate him.

Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup. He won 33 caps for Austria and was part of the squad that featured at the 2008 European Championship in his home country. He signed a short-term deal with Liverpool as a 39-year-old in 2016 but did not play. Manninger made 42 appearances for Juventus, filling in for injured first-choice stopper Gianluigi Buffon. Police also said that the train driver was unharmed.

Peter Schottel said, "Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch. His professionalism, composure and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team. His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable." Arsenal posted on X, "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time." Juventus posted on X, "Today is a terribly sad day. He has left us not only as a great athlete, but as a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an extraordinary professional seriousness. Juventus expresses its condolences for the passing of Alex Manninger and stands with the family in this moment of grief."