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Manninger tribute from Fiorentina and touching Buffon message
TL;DR
Former goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died after a tragic accident in Austria. Fiorentina will honor him with a minute's silence before their match against Crystal Palace.
Key points
- Alex Manninger died in a car accident in Austria.
- Fiorentina will hold a minute's silence for him.
- Tributes are coming from former teammates like Buffon and Chiellini.
Mentioned in this story
Alex ManningerGigi BuffonGiorgio ChielliniFiorentinaAustria
Manninger tribute from Fiorentina and touching Buffon message
Tributes continue to pour in from former teammates of Alex Manninger, including Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, while Fiorentina will hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Crystal Palace match.
The football world was shocked by the death of former goalkeeper Manninger when his car was struck by a train on a level crossing in his home country of Austria this morning.
The Austria international spent much of his career in Italy, making 137 Serie A appearances with Juventus, Siena, Fiorentina, Bologna and Torino.
With this in mind, Fiorentina have been given permission by UEFA to hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Conference League quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
The Viola will also be wearing black armbands in tribute to Manninger, who died at the age of 48.
Manninger remembered by Juventus teammates
AUGSBURG, GERMANY – MAY 14: Alexander Manninger, goalkeeper of Augsburg celebrates with the fans after the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and Hamburger SV at SGL Arena on May 14, 2016 in Augsburg, Germany. (Photo by Micha Will/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Former Juventus teammate Buffon wrote a touching message on his Instagram alongside a picture of them together.
“Dear Alex, every word seems superfluous. Every tear would only be the latest for the loss of a friend and a person I always admired,” wrote Buffon.
“You chosen to remain independent from the bustle of the football world, going to seek your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo.
Q&A
What happened to Alex Manninger?
Alex Manninger died after his car was struck by a train at a level crossing in Austria.
How did the football community react to Manninger's death?
Tributes have come from former teammates like Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, highlighting Manninger's impact on the sport.
What tribute will Fiorentina pay to Alex Manninger?
Fiorentina will hold a minute's silence before their match against Crystal Palace in memory of Manninger.
