Alex Manninger’s widow shares heartbreaking tribute after tragic death at 48 | Football | Sport

The wife of late goalkeeper Alex Manninger has spoken about the ‘unimaginable pain’ that has ‘broken’ her following the unexpected death of her husband. Emily Manninger has paid a heartfelt tribute to the former Arsenal and Liverpool shot-stopper. Manninger tragically died aged 48 last week when his car was struck by a train in Salzburg. Local reports state that Manninger was driving at a level crossing in Pabing, near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, when his vehicle was dragged several metres by the train.

Over a 22-year career, Manninger turned out for 15 different clubs before retiring following a stint at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. Following his playing days, the Austrian international had two children with Emily, Alexander and Nicolas, who survive him. “I cannot express the unimaginable pain I am feeling,” Emily wrote on social media. “We are not the sort of family to share such sorrow and pain publicly, but I have no choice, as the outpouring of love from around the world has overwhelmed me.”

Emily described her husband as an ‘amazing father’ and her best friend with whom she shared a ‘perfect life’.

She added: “Alex, you were the most amazing father to the boys – they absolutely adored you. Being your wife was where I belonged. Not only were you my husband, you were my best friend. If ever we needed anything, I could depend on you.

“We had such a perfect life. We did so many things like going for walks together, going to the lakes in the summer on the boat, paddleboarding, playing dice, going for hikes, skiing, golfing, and staying in the beautiful hotels in the mountains with the boys – the list is endless.”

The widow painted a touching portrait of her late husband, even joking that he was fluent in Scouse, as she poured her heart out to the world. “You had a huge impact on so many people you met,” she said.

“You were extremely respectful – calm, genuine, organised, driven, kind-hearted, gentle, and loyal. You were highly educated and spoke several languages, one being Scouse.

“You were so well-travelled, experienced, and sensible. You were so interesting to me, and so many others loved to just sit and talk with you. You were an amazing son to your lovely mum.

“Receiving the news has broken me as a person, and our family as a whole. I have to be strong now for you and our sons. I don’t think we as a family deserved this, but I do believe there is a God above, and he has welcomed you home to your dad.”

Following the passing of the Premier League and FA Cup double winner, both Arsenal and Liverpool extended their heartfelt condolences, joined by Italian Serie A clubs Juventus and Fiorentina.

Arsenal said in a tribute: “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.”

The Reds stated: “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.”

Juventus said: “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 in this moment of grief.”

Their Italian rivals said: “Fiorentina mourns the sudden passing of Alex Manninger, the Viola goalkeeper in the 2001-2002 season, who had a long career in Italy and as the Austrian national team’s goalkeeper. The entire club joins his family in this moment of profound grief.”