Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died in a tragic car accident.
Manninger became the first Austrian player to represent for Arsenal and to play in the Premier League after he was signed for £500,000 in 1997.
The goalkeeper went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup double with the Gunners in 1997/98 before leaving in 2002 after falling behind both David Seaman and Richard Wright.
He went on to play for 10 different clubs across his career, including Liverpool who he joined on a short-term contract in July 2016, announcing his retirement nearly a year later on May 25, 2017
Now, just nine years later, it has been confirmed that the 48-year-old has tragically died in a horrific accident that saw his car collide with a train.
According to local media outlet Salzburg ORF, Manninger's car was hit while crossing a level crossing near Nussdorf am Haunsberg.
The crash reportedly saw the car dragged several metres away from the crash, while first responders quickly arrived to tend to the former Premier League player after he was taken out of the vehicle.
However, Paramedics and first responders were tragically unable to resuscitate Manninger.
Shortly after the news emerged online, Arsenal released a statement offering their condolences.
"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.
"Rest in peace, Alex."
It is believed that Manninger was the only one inside the car and that the train driver and all passengers were left unharmed.
Austria Salzburg - the club where he started his career - also released a statement reacting to the tragic news.
"It is with great shock that we learned about the tragic accident in Nussdorf, where Alexander Manninger lost his life," the club shared in a statement on social media.
"Alexander was not only a part of the Austrian family from 1984 to 1996, but above all a person who left his mark - on and off the pitch.
"In these difficult hours, our deep sympathies go out to his family, his relatives and all those who were close to him.
"The thoughts of all of Austria are with you. Rest In Peace, Alexander!"
Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Premier League, Football
Ben McCrum