Former Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes dies in car crash

The forward passes away aged 35 and was currently playing for a club in his native Spain.

The striker currently plays for Segunda Division side Extremadura and had passed away due to a traffic collision. His 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."

Extremadura paid tribute to Reyes in a tweet, saying: 'With a shrunken soul and a broken heart we announced the death of Jose Antonio Reyes in a traffic accident. We pray for his soul."

He was the first Spanish player to win the Premier League title with Arsenal FC in 2004. Reyes joined Arsenal from Sevilla in January 2004 for a fee of £10.5 million. With an interest to continue at the North London club, he was tipped to join forces with fellow Spaniard Unai Emery and take upon a role in the coaching staff after his return from a short stint in China.

However, he later joined the Spanish club Extremadura for the latter part of the season.

We couldn't be confirming worse news. Beloved Sevilla star José Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/qeGl2nsi3c

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) June 1, 2019

Jose, who was part of the Invincibles team, was a hugely popular figure at our club and will always hold a special place in our hearts.Our thoughts are with all his family, friends and team-mates.https://t.co/NQgrRcvrPS

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 1, 2019

In his career which has spanned for over 20 years, he has played for Sevilla, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Espanyol, Cordoba, Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard and Extremadura. Reyes earned 21 caps for Spain and represented the nation at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The 35-year-old has won the Europa League twice with Atletico Madrid and the Premier League title with "Invincible" Arsenal in the 2003-04 season. Garnering similar success with Real Madrid in the La Liga, he has won the league title with the team in 2007.

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Awful news. ????Former Arsenal player Jose Antonio Reyes has passed away following a car accident. RIP. pic.twitter.com/k34e8KMQWU

— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) June 1, 2019

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He is survived by his mother Mari Calderon, father Francisco Reyes, brother Jesus Reyes and son Jose Antonio Reyes.