FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono said he is experiencing “the hardest days of my life” after Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died from injuries sustained in a collision during a Spanish second-division match on Monday. De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday. Owono, 25, had moved towards the halfway line to deal with an aerial ball when the players collided.
In a statement released by his club on Wednesday, Owono said he was struggling to find words and come to terms with what had happened. He expressed his sorrow for De Miguel’s death and said his thoughts were with the player’s family and loved ones.
Spanish police have opened an investigation into the incident under judicial supervision. Andorra players held a minute of silence before a voluntary training session on Wednesday, which Owono did not attend.
Venancio Tomas Micha, president of Equatorial Guinea’s football federation, sent Owono a message of support, describing him as an involuntary participant in the tragedy and offering the federation’s human and professional support. Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz also backed his teammate, saying on Instagram that Owono was deeply shaken and would never intentionally hurt anyone.
The league matches scheduled for next weekend involving Tenerife and Andorra have been postponed. Tenerife had been due to visit Granada, while Andorra were set to host Mallorca. The Spanish Football Federation also postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled for this week as a mark of respect.
Tenerife plans to hold a tribute to De Miguel at its stadium on Saturday, open to supporters, and has declared six days of mourning. The club said its first team, directors and staff would attend his funeral in Navahermosa, in Spain’s Toledo province. A minute of silence was observed before Champions League matches on Tuesday, with the same tribute planned at other UEFA fixtures this week.
Sources: Folha Esporte.