Jose Antonio Reyes dead: Former Arsenal striker dies in car crash

The 35-year-old Spaniard, who was part of the Gunners' famous 'Invincibles' side, passed away following the accident on Saturday morning

Ben Burrows
Saturday 01 June 2019 22:50 BST
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Jose Antonio Reyes dead

Former Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a car crash, it has been confirmed.

The 35-year-old Spaniard, who was playing for Segunda Division side Extremadura, passed away following the accident on Saturday morning.

Former club Sevilla tweeted: "We couldn't be confirming worse news. Beloved Sevilla star José Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision. Rest in peace."

"Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that our former player Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision in Spain," the club tweeted shortly after.

"Jose Antonio Reyes: 1983-2019. Rest in peace, Jose"

It's been confirmed that a relative of Reyes' also died in the accident, and that his funeral will take place on Monday.

Thierry Henry, who played with Reyes between 2004 and 2007, described him as a "wonderful player, superb teammate and exceptional human being".

"I wish his family and friends continued strength and courage to get through this difficult time."

Reyes was the youngest player in Sevilla history to make his debut, making his first appearance for the club at just 16-years-old.

A move to Arsenal would come in the January of 2004 and he went on to win the league as part of the club's 'Invincible' season where they won the Premier League title undefeated.

Stops at Real Madrid on loan, where he won La Liga, and Atletico Madrid, where he won the Europa League twice, came before an emotional return to Sevilla in 2012.

He would go on to win the Europa League three more times at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

Reyes joined Arsenal in 2004
Reyes was part of one of Arsenal's most successful ever periods
Reyes won the Europa League five times with two different clubs

He left the club in 2016 and played for Espanyol, Cordoba and Chinese side Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard before returning to Spain to join Extremadura earlier this year.

The second division club said in a statement: "With a broken heart Extremadura UD announce the death of their player Jose Antonio Reyes in a traffic accident."

Espanyol added: "From RCD Espanyol we wish to express our heartfelt condolences and send all our support to the family and to those at Sevilla."

As well as his domestic prowess Reyes also played 21 times for Spain scoring four goals.

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