David Seaman has shared a heartfelt tribute to his former Arsenal teammate Alex Manninger, who died at the age of 48 after his car was hit by a train.
Austrian reports indicate the accident occurred at a level crossing on the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg.
The Austrian international, who earned 33 caps for his country, spent five years at Arsenal and made 64 appearances for the club.
Manninger played an instrumental part in helping the Gunners secure the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998 during Arsene Wenger's first complete season as manager.
David Seaman shared a heartfelt tribute to his former Arsenal teammate
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Seaman described the news as "devastating" and labelled Manninger as a "great friend".
He said: "It is really sad and it is difficult to get your head around it. When I think of Alex Manninger, he was a fantastic goalkeeper for us. He came in and deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double.
"He did amazingly well. He was just a young lad when he broke into the first team. For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special.
"I was out for quite a few games through injury. He played 13 times, kept a clean sheet in the key 1-0 league win against Manchester United at Old Trafford and saved penalties in our (quarter-final) FA Cup win against West Ham.
Alex Manninger died at the age of 48 after his vehicle was hit by a regional train
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"The fans loved him. And I must admit it was touch and go as to whether I would get back in the side. He was a massive player for Arsenal."
Manninger had spells in Italy with Torino, Bologna, Siena and Juventus, where he won the Serie A with the latter.
He spent a short time at Liverpool in 2016 but did not make an appearance for the club.
Reflecting on his character, Seaman said: "When you looked at him, he was very athletic, had a great spring and made great saves.
Alex Manninger pictured during his time at Arsenal
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"He was so competitive in the standards that he set himself. He wanted to be the best and if he let a goal in, he wouldn't shut up about it. He never stopped analysing the goals he let in because of how good he wanted to be."
Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams posted a picture of Manninger on social media, with a one-word caption saying: "Heartbreaking."
The Gunners paid tribute to their former player, writing on X: "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Rest in peace, Alex."
A post on Liverpool's X account read: "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."
Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also issued a tribute
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Manninger's former teammate and legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also paid a moving tribute.
The Italian World Cup winner said: "Every word is superfluous. Every tear would be just another for the loss of a friend and someone I've always admired. You chose to remain independent from the addiction of the world of football, seeking your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo.
"In a world often bowed and genuflected, chasing oppression, careerism, and easy money, you always asserted your freedom, maintaining an upright posture, with the pride of someone who knows what you want.
"You had the strength to distance yourself from all this and look at us with that sly smile of yours, as if to say: 'You're all crazy, you'll never have me.'
"I hope, indeed, I'm certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your beautiful children and your young wife."
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