They had to cheat! RIP José……

Just 35 years old and along with his cousin, he’s gone.

José Antonio Reyes – 1st September 1983 – 1st June 2019

He wasn’t one of our own but between 2004 and 2007, he was one of ours. An extremely gifted footballer who despite trying, simply couldn’t settle in London, England. The Neville sisters played a big part in that I’m sure.

I often believe that those who resort to cheating, bullying or anything similar, do so because they lack something in their own life, or in this case, in their own abilities. José was quick, lightening quick and because he was hard to catch once in full flow, the only way to stop him was by foul means. Time and time again in an Arsenal shirt, as was Bobby Pires when he first arrived in England.

He may not have been an Arsenal player for very long but it was long enough to make an impact. Both in the team and with the fans. When he left, it was a great shame, his skill and ability a huge loss. He went on to win many trophies with Real Madrid, Seville, Atletico Madrid and Benfica. All after arriving at Arsenal in January 2004 and playing his part in our Invincible season.

RIP José, you gave us Arsenal fans something to rave about with your skills and there’s little doubt you touched the heart of fans at every club you’ve been at.

Here are some memories courtesy of DFarm on YouTube.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wryTf3wMCEo

A very sad day for football…..

 

 

25 thoughts on “They had to cheat! RIP José……

  1. Chrispy says:

    Nice tribute. Thank you Rico.
    RIP Jose Antonio. Thoughts are with your family. Once a Gunner always a Gunner.

  2. Cicero says:

    Thanks for the memories Rico, boy could we do with his finishing abilities now.

    Condolences to Jose’s family and friends.

  3. potter says:

    R.I.P Jose Antonio ,

    You were always a bit special . Sadly missed then by Arsenal and now by your family.

  4. micko says:

    RIP Jose, will always remember his screamer against the chav’s in front of the North Bank !

    The only player to win the Europa Cup 5 times……how we could have done with him mid-week.

    Come on you mickey mousers !!!

  5. VCC says:

    R.I.P Antonio Reyes.

    What a talented player we enjoyed.

    I’ll never forget the game away to ManUre when the referee ( long nose bald head, cannot remember his name) allowed the Neville sisters et al to kick him all game and not give him any protection. Scandalous.

    Thoughts go out to his family.

  6. VCC says:

    Just remembered the referee in question. Mike Riley. Absolute cheat during that game. Have a look at the rooney hop inside the penalty area. That game ended our 49 game unbeaten run.

  7. Limey says:

    This is so awful, Im with my daughter and grandchildren so haven’t seen any sports news. I just checked the champions league score and came here to laugh at Spurs. Phew. This reminds you it’s only a game.

  8. Potter says:

    That’s Arsenal for you trendsetters in North London, it’s taken Spurs 13 years after us to lose a Champions league final

  9. Le Coq Monster says:

    I`d like to think Jose was using polterguist powers in moving the ball to hit Sissoko`s arm, so Jose gets mom award from me in his last act as a Gooner !

  10. micko says:

    Gotta hand it to the scousers, bounced back after last years final, the scum never stood a chance, Liverpool’s last 5 wins in the Cup have been against teams playing in white………….FCUK OFF YOU SPURS !

    Nite Gooners.

  11. Cicero says:

    What a disappointing game, one goal in the first two minutes, one in the eighty-seventh and nothing but tedium in between.

    Tottenham choke again.

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