Former Liverpool Austria international goalkeeper Alex Manninger tragically killed in a car accident aged 48..

Liverpool confirmed on their official website on Thursday that their former Austria international goalkeeper, Alex Manninger, was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of 48.

In its obituary, Liverpool said that the everyone at the club was deeply shocked and saddened by Manninger's sudden passing. Manninger was a dedicated, kind, and uncomplaining player, teammate, and father who unconditionally shared his experience with the team; his departure is heartbreaking.

Liverpool also extended their sincerest condolences and sympathies to Manninger's family, friends, coaches, and everyone who had worked with him during this difficult time.

Following the news of Manninger's tragic passing, several of his other former clubs, including Arsenal, Juventus, Red Bull Salzburg, and Augsburg, also released obituaries to mourn the multi-title-winning goalkeeper.

Manninger will become Liverpool's second modern player to be permanently lost in two years, following the tragic passing of the late Portugal international forward Diogo Jota.

Both Jota and Manninger were signed by legendary manager Jürgen Klopp, and their untimely deaths will have undoubtedly deeply saddened the German coach.

According to Sky Sports Austria, Manninger was driving on the tracks in his hometown of Nußdorf am Haunsberg, a suburb of Salzburg, on Thursday morning (April 16th) when he was struck head-on by a train carrying 25 passengers.

At the time, there were no signs indicating potential hazards on the road, tracks, or on the train. After the accident, the train driver and bystanders immediately called for emergency services, paramedics rushed to the scene and attempted to resuscitate Manninger, but he could not be saved and died at the scene.

About Alex Manninger

Born on June 4, 1977, in Salzburg, Austria, Manninger was 1.89 meters tall and played as a goalkeeper.

Because his family ran a furniture business, Manninger helped out in the business from a young age, even before starting his professional football career. After becoming a player, he continued to help whenever he had free time. Even after retiring, he devoted himself entirely to managing the family business.

Manninger played in the youth academy of Austria Salzburg and made his first-team debut in 1993.

During the 1996/97 season, while playing for Grazer AK, Manninger's outstanding performance in a UEFA Cup match against Inter Milan caught the attention of Arsenal.

The following July, Manninger joined Arsenal for £1 million, which was the highest transfer fee for a goalkeeper in English football at the time.

During his four-year spell with the Gunners, Manninger won the English Community Shield twice, the Premier League title once, and the FA Cup once.

In July 2005, Manninger joined Red Bull Salzburg on a free transfer.

During his time there, he helped the Austrian Bundesliga giants qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history.

The following summer, Manninger joined Siena on a free transfer.

During his two-year spell stint at Siena, Manninger helped the club avoid relegation.

In 2008, Manninger joined Juventus for €1 million.

During his four-year spell with I Bianconeri, Manninger won the Serie A title once.

In the summer of 2012, Manninger joined Augsburg on a free transfer.

During his four-year spell at Augsburg, Manninger helped the club avoid relegation and also helped them surprisingly qualify for the Europa League once.

After his contract expired in the summer of 2016, Manninger joined Liverpool as a free agent. He then officially retired the following summer.

During his time at the Reds, although he only played in two preseason friendlies, the then 40-year-old did not complain about being relegated to become the team's second-choice substiujte goalkeeper. Instead, he readily used his experience to mentor the team's two starting goalkeepers, Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius. He even publicly stated in his retirement announcement that retiring at Anfield was the most satisfying chapter of his career.

Internationally, Manninger made 33 appearances for the Austrian national team in all competitions from 1999 to 2009, conceding 44 goals and keeping 10 clean sheets.

In his 24-year professional career, Manninger made a total of 320 appearances for various clubs in all competitions, conceding 406 goals and keeping 89 clean sheets.

Image source: Internet / Liverpool official website