Arsenal hero Thierry Henry described former teammate and fellow ‘invincible’ Jose Antonio Reyes as a “wonderful player, superb team mate and exceptional human being” after the 35-year-old died in a car crash.
Reyes’ former club Sevilla announced on Saturday the Spanish winger had died in a traffic collision, while Henry said he was “devastated to hear the sad news” adding the hashtag “#takenfartoosoon”.
I’m devastated to hear the sad news about José Antonio Reyes. Wonderful player, superb team mate and exceptional human being. I wish his family and friends continued strength and courage to get through this difficult time. #takenfartoosoon— Thierry Henry (@ThierryHenry) June 1, 2019
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
Reyes joined Arsenal in January 2004 and helped the club complete their unbeaten league campaign for the remainder of that season, as well as contributing to the club’s run to the Champions League final in 2006.
The Gunners tweeted: “Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that our former player Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision in Spain.”
Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that our former player Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a traffic collision in Spain.— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 1, 2019
Other former Arsenal colleagues in the form of Freddie Ljungberg, Ray Parlour, Robert Pires and Abou Diaby shared tributes on social media too, along with current Gunners boss Unai Emery.
Ljungberg said he was “numbed by the news” about his former teammate, while Parlour described the former Spain international as a “great talent”.
Numbed by the news about my former team-mate, Jose Antonio Reyes. Gone far too soon, my thoughts are with his family and friends— Freddie Ljungberg (@freddie) June 1, 2019
So Sad 😢 team mate of mine and great talent RIP Jose https://t.co/kN5YYubP0a— Ray Parlour (@RealRomfordPele) June 1, 2019
Devastated to hear the very sad news about my dear friend Jose Antonio Reyes. Rest In Peace— robert pires (@piresrobert7) June 1, 2019
Very sad to hear the news about José Antonio Reyes. An amazing player and a wonderful team mates. My thoughts are with all his family and friends. Rest in peace.— Abou DIABY (@AbouVDIABY) June 1, 2019
Emery tweeted his condolences in Spanish that translated as: “Deeply sad and speechless after learning of this tragic news. I’ll never forget your magic and your smile Jose, never. It was an honour to be by your side…a strong hug and all the spirit of the world to family, friends and clubs he represented. RIP friend.”
Profundamente triste y sin palabras tras conocer esta trágica noticia. Nunca olvidaré tu magia y tu sonrisa Jose, nunca. Fue un honor estar a tu lado… un fuerte abrazo y todo el ánimo del mundo a familiares, amigos y clubes a los que representó. RIP amigo pic.twitter.com/MHBonp8k8N— Unai Emery (@UnaiEmery_) June 1, 2019
Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham, meanwhile, paid their respects, tweeting: “All of our thoughts are with Jose’s friends and family, and everyone at Arsenal at this very difficult time.”
We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jose Antonio Reyes. All of our thoughts are with Jose's friends and family, and everyone at Arsenal at this very difficult time. https://t.co/C554XXrz8Q— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 1, 2019
Arsenal fans the world over mourned the news of Reyes’ passing, with @gunnerblog leading the fan reaction online.
“This is such desperately sad news,” he wrote.
This is such desperately sad news. https://t.co/tWPgw0nE9p— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) June 1, 2019
Reyes left Arsenal to join Real Madrid on loan in La Liga before winning five Europa League titles with Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.
