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
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.
“In a world that is often curved and prone to genuflection, which rewards overdoing things, careerism and easy gains, you always defended your freedom, holding your back straight, with the pride of a man who knows what he wants.
“You had the strength to walk away from all of this and look at us with your sly smile, as if to say ‘you are all crazy, you’ll never get me.’
“I hope, indeed I am certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your splendid children and your young wife. Rest in peace.”
There were more messages from Manninger’s old Juventus teammates, such as current club director of football strategy Giorgio Chiellini.
“Today is a very sad day, we say goodbye to an exemplary teammate and a person of great values. Ciao Alex, rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family.”
Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner were also among those who posted messages of condolence.