FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono described the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel as the "hardest days of my life" following a sickening collision during a Spanish second division match on Monday. De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday from injuries sustained in the incident. Owono, 25, had rushed into midfield to clear an aerial ball, resulting in the fatal collision.
Owono expressed his grief and respect for De Miguel in a statement released by his club, Andorra. He mentioned struggling to find words and process the incident, feeling immense pain over De Miguel's loss, and thinking of his family and loved ones. The Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper stated that he would face any upcoming issues with respect but currently could only think of De Miguel.
Spanish police have opened an investigation into the incident under judicial supervision. The incident has sent shockwaves through the football community, with Andorra players observing a minute's silence before a voluntary training session on Wednesday. Owono did not attend the session, and his teammates, including defender Lautaro Spatz, have shown support for him on social media.
Spatz posted on Instagram, describing Owono as "deeply affected" by the incident and highlighting his character. He noted that unfortunate incidents can happen in football, but no one could have imagined such tragic consequences. The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation has also offered support to Owono, with president Venancio Tomas Micha expressing solidarity and backing.
The Spanish football federation has postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches this week as a mark of respect for De Miguel. Tenerife's match against Granada and Andorra's match against Mallorca, scheduled for the weekend, have also been postponed. A minute of silence was held before Champions League matches on Tuesday in honor of De Miguel.
Tenerife plans to hold a tribute to De Miguel at their stadium on Saturday, which supporters can attend. The club will also observe a six-day mourning period and attend De Miguel's funeral in Navahermosa, in the province of Toledo. UEFA has also scheduled a minute of silence for the rest of the week's fixtures.
Owono received support from Micha, who acknowledged the harshness of the event and offered human and professional backing to the goalkeeper. As the football community comes to terms with De Miguel's death, teams and players have shown respect and solidarity with the player and his family.
Key points
- Jesus Owono described the death of Jesus de Miguel as the "hardest days of my life".
- The Spanish football federation postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches this week as a mark of respect.
- Tenerife will hold a tribute to De Miguel at their stadium on Saturday.
