Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper, has ventured into a new chapter of his life, involving house renovation and carpentry in Austria.

Manninger made 63 first-team appearances for Arsenal after his transfer from Grazer AK in 1997.

Manninger played a key role in the 1997-1998 season for Arsenal, helping the club secure both the Premier League and the FA Cup.

His time at Arsenal came to an end in 2002 when he fell behind both David Seaman and Richard Wright in the goalkeeping pecking order. He then broadened his career by playing for 10 other clubs, including Torino, RB Salzburg, Udinese and Juventus, before making a brief return to the Premier League with Liverpool in 2016.

Initially joining Liverpool to maintain his match fitness, Manninger later signed a short-term contract with the club. However, he did not make any first-team appearances and announced his retirement the following year.

A former Austria international, Manninger also made 33 appearances for his national team before retiring.

After hanging up his boots, Manninger chose an entirely different career path. He now runs his own renovation business in Austria, a journey that began with him studying carpentry.

Speaking about his new career, Manninger told TMW, “I went back to my first love, did you know I was a carpenter before I became a footballer? Obviously we do something bigger now, because you do not go far to be a carpenter only.

“But this experience and the acquired knowledge have allowed me to deal with furnishings, construction. I have created a network with professionals, who are carpenters, masons, gardeners. I find myself with architects.

“Basically if you have land or a house to renovate, then with new furniture and new windows I’ll take care of it. It’s a job that I really enjoy.”

In addition to his renovation business, Manninger also has a passion for real estate and holds significant investments in Meininger Hotels.