MADRID: The Spanish footballer Jose Antonio Reyes, who starred with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, has died in a traffic accident at age 35, his former club Sevilla said on Saturday.
“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 the Spanish second tier side Extremadura. He also was a regular on the Spain national team.
Reyes made his professional debut with Sevilla at the age of 16, moving to Arsenal in January 2004 for 17 million pounds. He was part of the famous “Invincibles” side that won the Premier League that season without losing a match.
He joined Real Madrid on loan in the 2006-07 season, winning the La Liga title and later joined neighbours Atletico before returning to his 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.
