Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has penned a heartfelt tribute to his late teammate Alex Manninger, describing him as "one of Arsenal's greatest unsung heroes" whose contributions during the club's historic 1997-98 Double-winning season remain profoundly underappreciated.
Keown recalls how news of Manninger's passing triggered vivid memories of their time together, particularly a moment captured on video after Arsenal's dramatic FA Cup penalty shootout victory over West Ham in 1998.
"I've posted it on social media and it shows me going over to give him a bear hug, but it is him who ends up lifting me off the ground. I can still feel the energy of that embrace to this day," Keown writes.
Manninger joined Arsenal in the summer of 1997 as part of Arsène Wenger's transformative recruitment drive that included stars like Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit alongside lesser-known talents. At just 20 years old, the Austrian goalkeeper arrived alongside six other new signings who would collectively help deliver the Premier League and FA Cup Double.
Keown emphasizes that while the world-class signings received most of the attention, Manninger's quiet professionalism and crucial performances were instrumental to the team's success.
"With Alex in particular, the more I think about his contribution, the more incredible it was," Keown reflects, noting how the young goalkeeper carried himself with remarkable composure beyond his years.
The tribute captures the deep bonds formed within that legendary Arsenal squad, with Keown expressing devastation at losing his friend so young and the painful realization that he can never embrace him again.