Wife of Arsenal hero shares heartbreaking message after husband's tragic death
The widow of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger has opened up about the 'unimaginable pain' that has left her devastated following her husband's sudden passing.Manninger died tragically at the age of 48 last week when his vehicle collided with a train in Salzburg. Reports from the area indicate that Manninger was driving at a level crossing in Pabing, close to Nussdorf am Haunsberg, when his car was pulled several metres by the locomotive.Throughout a 22-year professional career, Manninger represented 15 separate clubs before retiring from the game after a stint at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. The Austrian international leaves behind two sons, Alexander and Nicolas, whom he shared with Emily."I cannot express the unimaginable pain I am feeling," Emily posted 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 late husband as an 'amazing father' and her closest companion with whom she enjoyed a 'perfect life', reports the Mirror."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 grieving widow painted a touching portrait of her late husband, even joking that he had mastered the Scouse accent, 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."In the wake of the passing of the Premier League and FA Cup double winner, both Arsenal and Liverpool offered their heartfelt condolences, with Serie A giants Juventus and Fiorentina also joining the tributes. 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."Liverpool said: "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."Fiorentina also paid their respects, saying: "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."Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
