Former Arsenal team-mates lead tributes to Jose Antonio Reyes after tragic death
Friends, team-mates and fans have written tributes to Jose Antonio Reyes after the news of his tragic death in a car crash at just 35-years-old.
The former Arsenal , Sevilla and Real Madrid striker was killed in a crash in Spain on Saturday morning with the football world hit badly by the horribly sad news.
The Spaniard was most recently playing for Extremadura in the Spanish second flight, after spells at Espanyol, Cordoba and in China with Xinjiang Tianshen Leopard.
Reyes is best known in the UK for his time at Arsenal from 2004-07, during which he won the Premier League , FA Cup and a runners-up medal in the Champions League.
Former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry tweeted: ‘I’m devastated to hear the sad news about José 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’
Cesc Fabregas posted an emotional tribute on Instagram: ‘My first great friend in the world of professional football, my roommate, who always wanted to sleep with the air conditioning even at -10 degrees.
‘A humble guy who always had a smile on his face, great footballer and great person. I could not wake up today in a worse way.
I will never forget when you and your family welcomed me at your home in my first Christmas in England when I was alone and was 16 years old. I will never forget our tennis football matches in the gym before and after workouts.
‘Our connection in the field was also special, since it was always easy to find yourself between the lines so that you could later mark the differences. I always say that you have been one of the greatest talents in our football and I know that I am not wrong. 2 days ago I was talking about you in an interview, it might be a sign, who knows, to remember you, my great friend.
‘I will never forget you, we will never forget you. Always in our hearts. Rest in peace Jose Antonio Reyes. Love you very much.’
Freddie Ljunberg, who also played with Reyes in north London tweeted: ‘Numbed by the news about my former team-mate, Jose Antonio Reyes. Gone far too soon, my thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Another Gunners hero, Ray Parlour, added: ‘So Sad. team mate of mine and great talent RIP Jose.’
Arsenal veteran, Robert Pires, wrote: ‘Devastated to hear the very sad news about my dear friend Jose Antonio Reyes. Rest In Peace.’
Abou Diaby offered his condolences to the Reyes family: ‘Very sad to hear the news about José Antonio Reyes. An amazing player and a wonderful team mates. My thoughts are with all his family and friends. Rest in peace.’
Former Arsenal star Sol Campbell wrote: ‘Devastated by the news of my old team mate Jose Antonio Reyes at Arsenal. What a player. My condolence goes out to his family and friends ! Rest in Peace. Big lost.’
The club’s official Twitter account put out a statement, reading: ‘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’
Arsenal fan Piers Morgan offered his sentiment: ‘Desperately sad & shocking news… José Antonio Reyes, whose crucial late season goals helped Arsenal become the ‘Invincibles’ in 2004, has been killed in a car crash aged just 35. RIP.
‘The Invincibles, one of the greatest teams in football history, with José Antonio Reyes among them. This is such a sad day for José’s family, his former teammates & all Arsenal fans