Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has been killed in a road accident, his first club Red Bull Salzburg announced on Thursday on its X account that the 48-year-old had died.

It said: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”

With Arsenal and Liverpool FC following suit, mourning the loss of GK

Arsenal FC: “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 ❤️”

Liverpool FC: “is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The Austrian football association also mourned his death, saying he was an “outstanding” servant.

According to reports from Austria, Manninger’s car was in a collision with a train on a level crossing on the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg on Thursday morning.

Capped 33 times by Austria, Manninger joined the Gunners in a £500,000 move from Grazer AK in June 1997 where he made 64 appearances under Arsene Wenger and won the Premier League during a five-year stay before leaving for Espanyol, with David Seaman and Richard Wright blocking his path to the first team.