REYES: I'M NO GUNNERS FLOP

REYES: Atletico ace

By Laurent Picard, 24/10/2009

JOSE ANTONIO REYES believes his spell in England with Arsenal was a learning experience, even though some pundits will always label him a Gunners flop.

The Spaniard, only the second player ever to be sent off in an FA Cup final, arrived from Sevilla with a huge reputation but struggled to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

A loan move to Real Madrid preceded his switch to Atletico and he has told the News of the World that he missed his homeland and was keen to return to Spain.

After making a substitute appearance in Atletico's 4-0 Champions League defeat at Chelsea, Reyes acknowledged he was always going to receive a rough ride from the home fans after scoring twice to knock them out of the FA Cup back in 2004.

"Obviously something special is in the air every time I'm back and playing away to an English team," he told the News of the World.

"Chelsea was a special game because they used to be my rivals when I was an Arsenal player.

"The home fans gave me a noisy reception, which is something you have to accept as it's part of the game. Once you wear the Arsenal shirt, you become Chelsea's enemy.

Homesick

"The game didn't go our way despite our good display in the first half. We looked as if we gave up in the last part of the game but you must reckon that the scoreline spoke for itself.

"Playing in England was a massive experience for me. Even if people don't think I made it here, I grew up as a human being and learnt a lot.

"Anyway, I keep good memories of my spell with Arsenal, which is a club I'll always respect. Playing in this country was an opportunity. But I was homesick and decided to move back to Spain."

Your comments

This article has 7 comments

He short-changed himself by getting distracted by Real Madrid.A talent that has no business playing for a team like Athletico.He wasn't an Arsenal flop,just a stupid small boy who lost a chnace to be one of the very best in the world.Idiot!!

By ayobami. Posted October 30 2009 at 10:54 AM.

Agree with Glasgow, he was a great player for Arsenal and scored some fantastic goals. Don't forget also he played a major part in Madrid's success when he joined them and scored the goal that won them La Liga.

By Marco. Posted October 25 2009 at 2:20 PM.

He was a wonderful little player for Arsenal...especially in the run to the champions league final...He was the competitions most fouled player that year...never a flop

By Glasgow_God. Posted October 25 2009 at 1:14 PM.

Reyes a complete waste of space
He couldnt play if it was wet or cold
One of Wengers worst buys

By Gooner Bob. Posted October 25 2009 at 9:15 AM.

a real looser. real flop. he thought he can win champion league with real madrid... keep on dreaming.. now u'll never make to spanish national side even. flopped in arsenal, flopped in real, flopped with athletico, and flop in benfica. flop forever

By ibrahim. Posted October 25 2009 at 6:44 AM.

Disagree with you Damian...

He was hugely inconsistent and rarely produced a satisfactory performance. He flattered to deceive, a bit like Alexandre Hleb.

Every time he played I felt resentful because he was keeping out true world class baller in Robert Pires - That was the real tragedy in the Reyes affair, not the fact that he didn't quite fulfill his potential!!

By Jez. Posted October 25 2009 at 1:34 AM.

When you were good you were the best in the League! I am still upset at what Mike riley let the Neville brothers do to you at Old Trafford. One of the few wrongs in Wenger's time wasn't starting you in the Champions League Final. I miss you running at people and wonder how good you would have been if you would have stayed and adapted like Cesc! Good luck to you, You weren't a flop just a boy who missed home. Shame really, I wish you would come back and finish what you started.

By Damian Foster. Posted October 25 2009 at 12:18 AM.

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