Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper, shared emotional reflections on his career in an interview just days before his untimely death at age 48.

Details of the Tragic Incident

Manninger died on Thursday following a collision between his car and a train at an unguarded level crossing on the Salzburg local railway near Nussdorf am Haunsberg. Local authorities confirmed that emergency responders arrived promptly but were unable to save him at the scene.

Reflections on Arsenal Days

In the recent interview, Manninger recalled his time at Arsenal with fondness. “It still excites me just thinking about it. I was 20 years old, I was a kid,” he said. He credited Arsene Wenger with bringing an international focus to the club and nurturing young talents like himself.

Despite his youth, Manninger felt composed in goal, bolstered by the presence of defender Tony Adams. “I had a monster like Tony Adams in front of me. He taught me a lot,” Manninger noted. His only regret? “Leaving too soon. But you know, I wanted to play.”

Manninger became the first Austrian player to represent Arsenal, spending four seasons with the Gunners.

Liverpool Farewell

Years later, Manninger returned to English football with Liverpool, joining as a backup to Simon Mignolet in 2016 to close out his career. “It all started with a phone call. Jurgen knew everything about me. I’d beaten his Dortmund side with Augsburg two years earlier,” he recounted.

Jurgen Klopp reportedly urged him: “I want that goalkeeper there. That day you saved everything against us. You have to do it for me, too.” Though he did not feature in competitive matches at age 40, Manninger cherished the experience. “Leaving football and saying goodbye to the fans in front of the Kop was an amazing feeling.”

Liverpool FC Tribute

Liverpool FC issued a statement ing profound sorrow: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.” The club noted his arrival at Anfield in July 2016 for his final season, where he appeared in two friendlies and was named in four matchday squads as an experienced backup.