“Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch,” said Austrian Football Association sporting director Peter 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.”

Salzburg police said first responders used a defibrillator on Manninger, who was alone in the car, after he was freed from the vehicle, which was dragged along by the train, but could not resuscitate him.

Police also said that the train driver was unharmed.

Manninger began his career with hometown club Red Bull Salzburg and spent time with 14 teams across Europe, including Sienna, Juventus, Udinese and Augsburg.

He signed a short-term deal with Liverpool as a 39-year-old in 2016 but did not play.

During his time at Arsenal, Manninger largely played second fiddle to David Seaman, but deputised for the injured England keeper late in the 1997-98 season.

That season, Manninger helped Arsenal beat West Ham on penalties in the FA Cup sixth round and impressed in a memorable win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Manninger was named Premier League player of the month for March 1998.