Alex Manninger's wife shares heartbreaking tribute after tragic death

Alex Manninger, the former Liverpool and Arsenal goalkeeper, tragically died aged 48 last week; his wife, Emily, has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband

Alex Manninger's wife, Emily, has paid tribute to the late goalkeeper(Image: Facebook/Emily Manninger)

The widow of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger has shared her feelings of "unimaginable pain" that have left her "broken" after the sudden passing of her husband.

Emily Manninger has delivered a heartfelt tribute to the former Arsenal and Liverpool keeper. Manninger died tragically at the age of 48 last week when a train collided with his car in Salzburg. Throughout a 22-year playing career, Manninger represented 15 clubs before retiring following a stint at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

After finishing his playing days, the Austrian international had two children, Alexander and Nicolas, with Emily. "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 characterized her husband as an "amazing father" and her closest companion, with whom she enjoyed 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.

Alex Manninger is survived by his wife and two children(Image: Facebook/Emily Manninger)

"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 widow fondly recalled her late husband, even lightheartedly noting his mastery of Scouse dialect as she opened up to the world.

"You had a huge impact on so many people you met," she reflected.

"You were extremely respectful - calm, genuine, organized, driven, kind-hearted, gentle, and loyal.

"You were highly educated and spoke several languages, one being Scouse. You were so well-traveled, 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."