Thierry Henry pays tribute to former Arsenal team-mate and "exceptional human being" Jose Antonio Reyes

Jose Antonio Reyes, the ex-Arsenal and Spain forward, has died in a car crash at the age of 35, former club Sevilla have announced.

Reyes was part of Arsenal’s ‘invincibles’ squad that won the 2004 Premier League title without suffering defeat.

He also played for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Benfica during his career, as well as winning 21 caps for Spain.

Arsenal hero Thierry Henry described his former teammate and fellow ‘invincible’ as a “wonderful player, superb team mate and exceptional human being”.

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.

Jose Antonio Reyes: 1983-2019

Rest in peace, Jose ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AT6rLFutvI

— 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”.

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

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.”

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.”

Reyes left Arsenal to join Real Madrid on loan in La Liga before winning five Europa League titles with Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.