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Jose Antonio Reyes, the former Arsenal and Sevilla forward, has died in a traffic accident aged 35, Sevilla have confirmed. “We couldn’t be announcing any worse news. Our beloved former youth player Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic accident. Rest in peace,” said a statement on Sevilla’s official Twitter account. Reyes last played for Spanish second tier side Extremadura. He also played for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid among other sides and the Spain national team, whom he represented at the 2006 World Cup. Details of the car accident are scare. Local reports say the incident took place on the motorway between Utrera and Sevilla. Reyes made his professional debut with Sevilla at the age of 16, moving to Arsenal in January 2004 for £17million. Here was part of Arsenal’s ‘invincibles’ squad that won the 2004 Premier League title without suffering defeat, scoring two league goals in 13 appearances. He also helped Arsenal win the FA Cup and Community Shield during his time at the club, as well as reaching the 2006 Champions League final. Arsenal paid tribute to the Reyes, saying: “Our thoughts are with all his family, friends and team-mates. “Jose, who was part of the Invincibles team, was a hugely popular figure at our club and will always hold a special place in our hearts. “He represented the club on 110 occasions, scoring 23 times and made memorable contributions to our 49-game unbeaten run. “Rest in peace, Jose.” We couldn’t be confirming worse news. Beloved Sevilla star José Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/qeGl2nsi3c — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) June 1, 2019 After leaving the north London club, Reyes joined Real Madrid on loan in the 2006/07 season, winning the La Liga title and later joined neighbours Atletico before returning to boyhood club Sevilla in 2012, going on to lift three consecutive Europa League titles between 2014 and 2016. As well as lifting three Europa League titles with Sevilla, he was also part of the Atletico Madrid squad that won the competition in 2010 and 2012. Atletico said in a tweet: “The Atletico de Madrid family is in mourning. Our former player Jose Antonio Reyes has passed away. You will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace.” He later played for Espanyol and then Chinese club Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard before returning to Spain to join Extremadura in January. His last match was a 1-0 win at Alcorcon on May 18. Extremadura are due to face Cadiz away from home on Sunday. Reyes’ former Arsenal team-mates Thierry Henry and Ray Parlour took to Twitter to express their condolences. Henry tweeted: “I’m devastated to hear the sad news about Jose Antonio Reyes. Wonderful player, superb team mate and exceptional human being. I wish his family and friends continued strength and courage to get through this difficult time. #takenfartoosoon.” Parlour added: “So Sad team mate of mine and great talent RIP Jose.” Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that our former player Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision in Spain. Jose Antonio Reyes: 1983-2019 Rest in peace, Jose ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AT6rLFutvI — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 1, 2019 The Atlético de Madrid family is in mourning. Our former player José Antonio Reyes has passed away. You will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace. — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) June 1, 2019 Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who like Reyes came up through the youth ranks at Sevilla and was a team-mate of his with Spain and Real, tweeted his shock at the death of his friend. The 33-year-old wrote in Spanish: “Broken. Destroyed. I have no words. All the love to the family. We’ll always remember you, friend! RIP brother.” We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jose Antonio Reyes. All of our thoughts are with Jose’s friends and family, and everyone at Arsenal at this very difficult time. https://t.co/C554XXrz8Q — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 1, 2019 The thoughts of everybody at Chelsea FC are with the family and friends of Jose Antonio Reyes, following the tragic news today. Rest in peace, Jose. pic.twitter.com/JuWf6gzfI8 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 1, 2019 Scores of clubs across Spain and Europe also tweeted their condolences, including Barcelona who wrote: “FC Barcelona wishes to express their deepest condolences for the death of footballer Jose Antonio Reyes, a brilliant and charismatic player; one of the most outstanding figures and with a great trajectory in football. Rest in peace.” Portuguese giants Benfica, where Reyes played on loan for the 2008/09 season, added: “We’re devastated to hear of the passing of our former player Jose Antonio Reyes. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Jose.”
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Getty ImagesTributes to Jose Antonio Reyes
Jose Antonio Reyes, former Arsenal, Sevilla and Real Madrid striker, dies in car accident aged 35 - The Telegraph
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