Football clubs commemorate ex-Spanish midfielder Reyes

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - European football clubs commemorated a former Spanish player, Jose Antonio Reyes, who was killed in a 2019 car accident.

"Jose Antonio Reyes: September 1, 1983 - June 1, 2019... Forever a Gunner," Arsenal said on the club's Twitter account to remember their ex-player on Monday.

The London club also put Reyes' photo from his Arsenal days.

"Our thoughts are with Jose's family and everyone at @Arsenal today," the English Premier League replied to Arsenal on social media.

Regarded as one the promising young prospects of early 2000s, Reyes was transferred to Arsenal, where he would win the Premier League title in the 2003/2004 season.

Reyes had 110 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 23 goals and producing 24 assists.

In addition to Arsenal, Sevilla also commemorated their legend.

"Jose Antonio, forever in our hearts," Sevilla tweeted.

The Spanish club said on its website that June of last year brought "one of the most bitter memories" in the club history, referring to his death.

"Jose Antonio Reyes: A year without the Pearl," Sevilla said to depict him as a gem.

"The heart of 'the pearl' stopped beating after suffering a serious traffic accident at 35 years of age, with much success but when he still had a whole life ahead of him," Sevilla added.

"Gone, but never forgotten. What better day to remember a man whose talent and smile brought joy to so many," La Liga tweeted to pay homage to Reyes.

Reyes was a pure Sevilla product, who had played for the club's youth setup and reserves.

He played for the first team of Sevilla in two different terms as Reyes was promoted to the senior team from Sevilla B in 2000.

Reyes appeared for Sevilla until 2004, when he made his way to Arsenal.

In 2006, he returned to Spain but to play for Real Madrid, where he became the Spanish champion.

After spending one season in Real Madrid, Reyes preferred to join their city rivals Atletico Madrid and Portuguese giants Benfica before his return to his home, Sevilla, in 2012.

Reyes played for Sevilla from 2012 to 2016.

He scored 37 goals and made 37 assists in 242 appearances for Sevilla.

The former winger won the UEFA Europa League title for five times in history, three of them with Sevilla (2014, 2015 and 2016).

He lifted this trophy with Atletico Madrid in 2010 and 2012.

Reyes last played for a La Liga 2 club, Extremadura.

He had 22 appearances for the Spanish national team from 2003 to 2006.

Reyes was 35 when he passed away in the car crash in the southwestern Utrera district of Seville city in Spain.