Jose Antonio Reyes, former Arsenal, Sevilla and Real Madrid striker, dies in car accident aged 35
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 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.
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
