Story published in News of the World
Link: http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/562143/REYES-IM-NO-GUNNERS-FLOP-Spain-international-tells-us-he-learnt-from-spell-at-Arsenal.html
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."
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