David Seaman's tribute after fellow ex-Arsenal goalie Alex Manninger's shock death

David Seaman, the former England goalie has paid tribute to his ex teammate and fellow Arsenal keeper Alex Manninger after his shock death.

Manninger died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train in Austria on Thursday.

The German served as the primary backup to Seaman for most of his five-season spell at Arsenal.

Seaman described the player as an "incredible goalkeeper" in a tribute posted to social media.

He said: "It was a privilege to walk alongside this lovely human being and make such great memories together.

"He was an incredible goalkeeper, a brilliant teammate, training partner and a great fishing friend.

"My deepest condolences and much love to the Manninger family, the world has lost a safe pair of hands today."

Manninger also won 33 caps for Austria and was part of the squad for the 2008 Euros held jointly in the country with Switzerland.

He joined Arsenal in a £500,000 move from Grazer AK and made 64 appearances under Arsene Wenger, winning the Premier League and FA Cup during a five-year stay at the Gunners before leaving for Espanyol in Spain.

In tribute, Arsenal wrote 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. Rest in peace, Alex."

Austrian Football Association (OFB) sporting director Peter Schottel called the keeper "an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch".

The Salzburg Police said its officers were called to a traffic accident involving a train and a car at a level-crossing in Nussdorf am Haunsberg, north of the city, at around 8.20am on Thursday.

Quoting initial investigations, they said the car "was struck and dragged by a train of the Salzburg Local Railway while crossing the tracks". "The driver was alone in the vehicle. The train driver was unharmed".

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: David Seaman's tribute after fellow ex-Arsenal goalie Alex Manninger's shock death

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