Dani Ceballos has paid tribute to Jose Antonio Reyes, admitting he’s proud to have followed in his idol’s footsteps by joining Arsenal.

Former Gunner and ‘invincible’ Reyes tragically died at the age of 35 over the summer. He was involved in a car accident near his hometown of Utrera in Spain, with his final club Extremadura retiring his shirt number.

Not too long afterwards, Ceballos joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid. The midfielder also hails from Utrera, so he had a personal connection to Reyes. Ceballos admitted this week to his new club’s website that he idolised the ex-Arsenal man.

“I remember one match when he was playing for Sevilla against Real Madrid,” Ceballos said. “He was up against Roberto Carlos and he looked like he’d be playing at the top level for 10 years, but he’d only just made the step up from the youth academy. He was definitely one of my idols.

“I joined Arsenal not long after Jose died. He was on my mind a lot around that time because I’m sure he would have got in touch to give me recommendations on good stuff to do here in London.

“I’m sure he’s up there, proud that I’m following in his footsteps. And I’m proud to be following in his footsteps too.”

It’s a real shame that Reyes didn’t get to see another player from his birthplace joining a club where he made so many good memories for himself and the Arsenal supporters.

Despite only spending three years with the Gunners, Reyes won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Community Shield and finished as a runner-up in the Champions League.

Ceballos will hopefully be able to create his own legacy in North London, giving the people back home in Utrera something to smile about again.