Alex Manninger has died at 48 - with his final interview a heartfelt reflection on his 'thrill' to play for Jurgen Klopp

Former Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48.

Manninger, best remembered for Premier League spells at opposite ends of his playing career with Arsenal and Liverpool, passed away after his car was struck by a train.

The stopper played 33 times for Austria and was a member of the Euro 2008 squad on home soil.

Alex Manninger recently spoke of his time at Liverpool and connecting with Jurgen Klopp

Earlier this month, Manninger spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about his time at Liverpool and revealed how manager Jurgen Klopp paid an integral part of in convincing him to join the club.

The Austrian said that despite being 40 at the time and never playing for the Reds, “Leaving football and saying goodbye to the Kop fans was a thrill.”

“It all started with a phone call.” Manninger said. “Jurgen knew everything about me. Two years earlier I had beaten his Dortmund side with Augsburg.

“Klopp decided ‘I want that goalkeeper. You saved everything from us that day, you have to do the same to me.’”

Tributes have begun to pour in for Manninger, with the Austrian Football Association sporting director, Peter Schottel, highlighting his professionalism.

"Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch," said Schottel.

"His professionalism, composure and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team. His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable."

Manninger is perhaps best revered by Premeir League fans for his first stint in the Premier League with Arsenal, in which he won a league and cup Double in 1998 as David Seaman's deputy.

He made over 300 appearances as a player and won Serie A in 2012 with Juventus too.