Former Arsenal star Reyes killed in car crash in Spain

Former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Spain striker Jose Antonio Reyes has been killed in a car crash at the age of 35.

His hometown club Sevilla broke the sad news on Saturday.

Reyes shot to fame at Sevilla before making a switch to Arsenal. His time in North London was followed by spells at Real and Atletico Madrid. He was on the books with second tier Spanish club Extremadura having moved on from Sevilla.

“We couldn’t be confirming worse news. Beloved Sevilla star Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision. Rest in peace,” Sevilla, where he spent two four-year spells, said on Twitter.

Extremadura also went on to announce the news later on Saturday and sent their condolences to the forwards family.

“With broken hearts we announce the news of our player Jose Antonio Reyes’ death in a car crash and we ask for you to pray for his soul,” the club said.

Reyes won the Premier League with Arsenal in 2004 and featured heavily in the club’s run to the 2006 Champions League final which the Gunners lost to Barcelona. He won the La Liga title with Real in 2007 and also won the Portuguese league with Benfica in 2009. His goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup is a favourite among Arsenal fans.

He was part of the Sevilla team that made history by winning the Europa League three seasons in a row under Unai Emery who now manages Arsenal. Reyes has also enjoyed spells at Espanyol, Cordoba and Chinese club Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard.

Reyes played 21 matches for Spain scoring four goals. He also represented the Autonomous region of Andalusia in a single international match.

The circumstances surrounding his death are as yet unknown.

Reyes married Spanish model Noelia Lopez in June 2017, with whom he had two daughters, Noelia and Triana.