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SPAIN international legend Santiago Canizares says Jose Antonio Reyes "does not deserve a tribute like a hero".

The controversial comments come after 35-year-old ex-Arsenal star Reyes died in a horrific 147mph car crash on Saturday morning outside of Seville.

Juan Antonio Reyes, who was part of Arsenal's unbeaten 2003/04 team, died in a car crash at the age of 35 yesterday
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Juan Antonio Reyes, who was part of Arsenal's unbeaten 2003/04 team, died in a car crash at the age of 35 yesterdayCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Santiago Canizares, who played with Reyes for Spain, said he shouldn't be thought of as a hero for driving at 147mph before the crash
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Santiago Canizares, who played with Reyes for Spain, said he shouldn't be thought of as a hero for driving at 147mph before the crashCredit: Getty - Contributor
Reyes' 23-year-old cousin also died in the crash outside Seville, while another relative was said to have survived with serious burns
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Reyes' 23-year-old cousin also died in the crash outside Seville, while another relative was said to have survived with serious burnsCredit: BackGrid

Canizares, who was Reyes' teammate in the Spanish team, slammed Reyes for driving at high speeds before the deadly smash.

The former Valencia and Real Madrid goalkeeper tweeted: "Driving at high speed shows a reprehensible attitude.

"In the accident there have been victims in addition to the driver.

"Reyes does not deserve a tribute like a hero.

"But that does not remove my regret at what happened and I pray for their souls."

Reyes' 23-year-old cousin, who was sitting in the back seat at the time of the crash, was also killed.

Jose Antonio Reyes’ coffin is carried through the streets of his hometown as hundreds attend funeral mass

A second cousin, named as Juan Manuel Calderon, survived the collision and was rushed to a hospital in Seville with serious burns.

He is said to be in intensive care.

Canizares later rowed back on his original tweet by clarifying his apparently incendiary comment.

He wrote: "Maybe I didn't explain myself well.

"Of course he deserves a tribute and be remembered for his career and his contribution to football.

"I read a lot of opinions and I respect them all, especially the ones where I'm insulted and despised.

"I just pretend to condemn the insensibility and ask people to think about the mistakes we make, and I believe that's perfectly compatible with the pain."

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Jose Antonio Reyes dead at 35: Arsenal’s Invincible hero killed in car crash

Reyes will be buried in his hometown of Utrera on Monday morning.

His cousin Jonathan will be buried at 6.30pm today.

Reyes leaves behind two daughters, Noelia, five, and Triana, two, with wife Noelia Lopez, and a son, 11-year-old Jose Antonio Jr, from a previous relationship.

This was the tweet which Canizares wrote about Reyes' death
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This was the tweet which Canizares wrote about Reyes' deathCredit: Twitter

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