Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1124848
30 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 JUNE 2019 SPORTS FOOTBALL FORMER Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes has died in a car accident aged 35, Spanish club Sevilla have announced. "We couldn't be confirming worse news," the La Liga club said on Twitter. The Spaniard joined the Gunners from Sevilla in Janu- ary 2004 and was part of the 'Invincibles' side that went through the 2003-04 season unbeaten, winning the Pre- mier League. He later spent a season on loan at Real Madrid in 2006- 07, winning the title. Sevilla paid tribute to the "eternal legend", adding that he was "one of the most valua- ble home grown players in the history of the club". Reyes leaves behind his wife Noelia Lopez, whom he mar- ried in June 2017, and three children, daughters Noelia and Triana and son Jose An- tonio Jr from a previous rela- tionship. A minute's silence was ob- served at yesterday's Champi- ons League final as a mark of respect to Reyes, who was the first Spaniard to win the Pre- mier League. Henry leads tributes to 'exceptional human' Reyes Arsenal paid tribute to their former player, saying they were "devastated by the shock- ing news". Gunners legend Thierry Henry, who played alongside Reyes between 2004 and 2007, called him a "wonderful play- er, superb team-mate and ex- ceptional human being". "I wish his family and friends continued strength and cour- age to get through this difficult time," he added on Twitter. Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas called Reyes his "first great friend in the world of professional football", and added: "My room-mate, who always wanted to sleep with the air conditioning even at -10 degrees. "A humble guy who always had a smile on his face, great footballer and great person. I could not wake up today in a worse way. "I will never forget when you and your family welcomed me at your home in my first Christmas in England when I was alone and was 16 years old. I will never forget our ten- nis football matches in the gym before and after workouts. "Our connection in the field was also special. "I always say that you have been one of the greatest tal- ents in our football and I know that I am not wrong. "Two days ago I was talking about you in an interview, it might be a sign, who knows, to remember you, my great friend. "I will never forget you, we will never forget you. Always in our hearts. Rest in peace Jose Antonio Reyes. Love you very much. Cesc." Jose Antonio Reyes Former Arsenal winger dies aged 35 Reyes played alongside Thierry Henry in Arsenal's 'Invincibles' in 2003-04