The wife of former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has said she is ‘broken’ in a tribute to the ex-shot stopper following his death at the age of 48.
The ex-Austria international was killed on Thursday in Salzburg, with local media outlet Salzburg ORF claiming his car was struck by a train on a level crossing at Pabing, near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, at approximately 8.20am.
Manninger is believed to have been treated by first responders, who freed him from his vehicle after it was dragged several metres.
Paramedics were quick to arrive at the scene to provide further aid, but were unable to resuscitate him.
On Wednesday, meanwhile, Manninger’s wife Emily shared a heartfelt tribute to her partner on Facebook.
She wrote: ‘Alex, I cannot express the unimaginable pain I am feeling. 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.
Alex Manninger’s devastated wife has paid a heartbreaking tribute to the late goalkeeper
Manninger tragically passed away after a train accident in Austria last week
‘I think it’s important to express the kind of man you were at home, as well as the hugely admired man you were on the pitch.
‘I am sitting with our family today at home, trying to comprehend how this is now our reality. To put into words the extreme tragedy we are facing as a family is extremely difficult, if not impossible.
‘So please let me try.’
Manninger is survived by Emily and the couple’s two sons, Alexander and Nicolas. As the message continued, Emily spoke about family life and their relationship together.
‘Alex, thank you for our two sons, Alexander and Nicolas,’ she continued in the post, which was accompanied by a number of pictures of the family together. ‘They are my heart and soul.
‘We often discussed how everything worked out exactly as you had planned it. You wanted children so deeply, but you wanted to do this after your career, when you knew you would have time to spend with them. That’s exactly what you did. 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.
His wife Emily says she is ‘broken’ following the news of his death
‘Salzburg is our home. I feel so privileged to live in such a beautiful and safe place with our children, so I thank you for giving our family this life.
‘I know how much you loved me and our boys. We adored you, Lexx, and our families were so happy for us.
‘You had a very loyal circle of true friends, which is a reflection of your character. These friends are supporting me now, and I am feeling a huge sense of comfort from them.
‘You had a huge impact on so many people you met. 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.’
Manninger is thought to have been alone in his vehicle, with the train driver and around 25 passengers unharmed.
An investigation by the public prosecutor is reportedly ongoing, with German publication Bild suggesting that electronic data from Manninger’s Volkswagen minivan could be analysed.
The red signal at the level crossing is also set to be examined, to learn whether it was operational at the right time.
‘Receiving the news has broken me as a person, and our family as a whole,’ Emily continued. ‘I have to be strong now for you and our sons.
The pair share two children and she paid tribute to her husband in a Facebook post
‘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.
‘For anyone who has managed to read the above, can you please all pray for my children.
‘Until we meet again, thank you, Lexx. I will love you forever. “Your Girl” Emily.
