Family, friends and former team-mates joined throngs of football fans to pay tribute to former Arsenal winger José Antonio Reyes at his wake on Sunday (local time).
Reyes, 35, died on Saturday morning in a high-speed car accident. The crash, and subsequent fireball, also caused the death of his 23-year-old cousin and left another in critical condition, according to reports.
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At 16 Reyes became the youngest player in Sevilla FC history to make his professional debut for the club in a match in Spain's top league. He stayed with Sevilla for five years, and played with the club for a second time between 2012-2016, according to the New York Times.
The former football star played for Arsenal between 2004 and 2007, as well as Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid among other high-profile clubs. Most recently Reyes was playing for Extremadura in the Segunda División.
On Sunday Reyes' coffin was taken to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium, home to the Sevilla FC, for fans and loved ones to pay their respects.
Among the mourners were Sevilla's president Jose Castro, former president José Maria del Nido and current captain Jesús Navas, according to reports.
Former team-mate Sergio Ramos spoke at the stadium, saying: "Today is one of the saddest days we can face, not just Sevilla fans, but on a personal level.
"The loss of José Antonio is a great loss for us all, he was a great friend."
Reyes will reportedly be buried on Monday morning (local time) in his hometown of Utrera, on the outskirts of Seville.
His eldest child, José Antonio Reyes Jr, paid tribute to his father on Instagram: "This is the last moment we have spent together dad.
"Today you've gone to not come back and it's a very hard day for me! I was and I will always be proud of you dad."
Reyes leaves behind his wife and three children.
Newshub.
