Former Arsenal, Sevilla player Reyes dies in car accident

World
Europe

Spanish winger Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic accident at the age of 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 Spanish second-tier side Extremadura. He made his professional debut in Sevilla and played for Arsenal, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in his career. Reyes also played 21 games for the Spanish national team.

Antonio Reyes holds the UEFA Europa League trophy. /VCG Photo

It's hard to define Reyes' career. On one hand, he had 12 valuable titles under his name: the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Championship title, the 2003-04 Premier League championship, the 2004 Community Cup title, the 2004-05 FA Cup championship, the 2006-07 La Liga title, the 2007 UEFA Intertoto Cup championship, the 2010 UEFA Super Cup title and five UEFA Europa League championships (2009-10, 2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16). No player has ever won more Europa League titles than Reyes did.

However, on the other hand, Reyes never played as a true core star of any club. He established his reputation as another Spanish golden boy at the 2002 European U19 Championship. Reyes and Fernando Torres made the shiniest combination at the tournament, scoring six goals together (four by Torres and two by Reyes) to bring the honor back to Spain the fourth time.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger (L) and Antonio Reyes display his jersey after becoming a Gunner. /VCG Photo

One year later on November 8, 19-year-old Reyes made the whole world remember his name by helping Sevilla humiliate Real Madrid 4-1 at home with two assists. His speed destroyed Real's defense and earned him the praise of "playing soccer on a motorcycle." Soon, Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger brought Reyes to the Premier League for 10.5 million pounds (about 13.3 million U.S. dollars).

However, that was the turning point of the young man's career. Homesickness and failing to adapt to the physical play style of England began to take the halo away from Reyes. He left England and returned to Spain after three seasons. Though he was still able to impress the fans with a remarkable moves from time to time, Reyes gradually walked away from the spotlight as he grew older.

(With input from agencies)