FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono said on Wednesday that he is going through the “hardest days of my life” following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, with whom he collided during a Spanish second division match on Monday.
The 30-year-old Spanish footballer died on Tuesday from injuries sustained in the horrifying collision with Equatorial Guinea international Owono, who had charged into midfield to clear an aerial ball.
“These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened,” said Owono in a statement published by his club, Andorra.
“I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him.
“I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesus,” he added.
Spanish police sources have told AFP that an investigation into what happened has been opened, under judicial supervision.
A minute’s silence was observed by the Andorra players on Wednesday before a voluntary training session that Owono, 25, did not attend.
Following De Miguel’s death, Owono received support from Venancio Tomas Micha, president of the African country’s federation, in a letter of condolence.
“I feel compelled to convey all our solidarity and support at this time to our player Jesus Lazaro Owono,” Tomas Micha wrote.
“We know that, as the involuntary protagonist of this tragic incident in the game, he is living through this situation with deep sorrow and distress.
“From the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation, we offer him all our human and professional backing, fully aware of the harshness of this event, which no one in our sport ever wishes to witness.”
Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz shared a post on Instagram backing Owono, saying that he was “deeply affected” by what had occurred.
“Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone,” wrote Spatz.
“In football, unfortunate incidents can happen but no one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences.”
The Spanish football federation has called off all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled for this week as a mark of respect after De Miguel’s death.
Tenerife intends to hold a tribute to De Miguel at the club’s stadium on Saturday that supporters can attend, and the club is observing a six-day mourning period.
The club stated that the first team, board, and staff will attend De Miguel’s funeral, which will be held in Navahermosa, in the province of Toledo on the Spanish mainland, where his family has roots.
A minute of silence was observed before Tuesday’s Champions League matches in honor of the striker, and the same is planned for the remainder of this week’s fixtures organized by UEFA, Europe’s football governing body.
