Former Liverpool defender has 'heavy heart' after tragic death of goalkeeper Alex Manninger

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NewsLiverpool NewsLiverpool FCManninger trained with Liverpool to maintain match fitness while he looked for a club after leaving Augsburg in 2016Former Liverpool centre-back Ragnar Klavan has sent a heartfelt message to ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger after he tragically died aged 48 when his car was struck by a train at an unguarded level crossing in the municipality of Nußdorf am Haunsberg in Austria.Manninger trained with Liverpool to maintain match fitness while he looked for a club after leaving Augsburg in 2016. Ragnar Klavan, who made 53 appearances for Liverpool between 2016 and 2018, wrote on Instagram: "Today, my heart is heavy.

You will never be forgotten."Liverpool FC released a statement on their website after the tragic death of Manninger. It said: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48."The Austrian arrived at Anfield in July 2016 to spend the final season of his lengthy playing career as a Red.

Brought in as an experienced back-up goalkeeper, he featured in two friendly fixtures and was named in the matchday squad on four occasions during that campaign."The tribute continued: "Manninger represented a host of clubs in Europe across two decades – including hometown side Red Bull Salzburg, Arsenal, Fiorentina, Juventus and FC Augsburg."He earned 33 senior caps for Austria, the first of which came in August 1999. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time."Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Ragnar KlavanLiverpool FC