Alex Manninger: Former Arsenal and Austria goalkeeper dies in traffic accident aged 48

Local reports said on Thursday that Manninger's car was in a collision with a train at an unguarded level crossing in the municipality of Nussdorf am Haunsberg, around 20km from Salzburg.

Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, largely serving as understudy to David Seaman while contributing to Premier League and FA Cup triumphs. In his final season, he spent time on loan at Fiorentina.

Arsenal wrote in a social media post on Thursday: "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,"

Manninger's first club, Red Bull Salzburg (formerly named SV Austria Salzburg), also released a statement on Thursday, which read: "We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident.

"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. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander."

The Austrian FA (OFB) posted on social media: "The news of Alex Manninger's death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person.

"In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Much strength for the time ahead."

Across a 22-year career, Manninger's final stop was Liverpool, where he was signed by Jurgen Klopp for the 2016/17 season after leaving Augsburg, but did not make a senior appearance.

He also earned 33 caps for Austria and was included in the squad for Euro 2008, a competition held jointly in his country with Switzerland, while he also had spells with Espanyol and Juventus.

The Serie A club posted: "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 at this moment of grief."

Speaking earlier this month in an interview with Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Manninger reflected that he ended his stay with Arsenal prematurely, believing that he would have developed into a better goalkeeper under Arsene Wenger.

"It makes me emotional just thinking about it," he said.

"I was 20, a kid. [Arsene] Wenger wanted to bring an international dimension to the club and focus on young players. I was one of them. Arsene even introduced a training camp, which was unusual for the Premier League at the time.

"I have to say that, despite my age, I felt comfortable in goal. Up front I had a giant like Tony Adams. He taught me so much. I only have one regret: leaving too soon. But you know, I wanted to play."