Goalkeeper involved in fatal collision with Tenerife forward Jesus De Miguel releases emotional statement

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has released an emotional statement after being involved in a fatal on-pitch collision with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.

The tragic incident occurred during a Spanish second-division match on Monday (November 2), with De Miguel pronounced dead on 3 November after suffering head and chest injuries. He also later had a cardiac arrest.

Owono was sent off for the challenge before the match was abandoned.

“Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true,” Tenerife said, confirming De Miguel’s untimely passing.

“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can lessen this overwhelming sadness. We stand with his grieving family, with his loved ones, with all of Tenerife who mourn this cruel loss today.”

Tributes have poured in from the footballing world, with a minute’s silence observed before Barcelona’s Champions League clash against Aston Villa on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Owono released a statement describing the past few days as the ‘most difficult’ of his life.

“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono said in the statement.

“I struggle to find the words, and it is very hard for me to come to terms with what has happened.

“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and everyone 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 all experiencing.

“Rest in peace, Jesus.”

This came after Owono’s FC Andorra teammate Lautaro Spatz defended him, saying he would “never intentionally hurt anyone”.

Spatz wrote: "I want to have some words for my team-mate, goalkeeper and friend, who is deeply affected by what happened.

"Those of us who know him know the type of person he is, how much he is suffering in these moments and that he would never intend to hurt anyone.

"In football, unfortunate incidents happen but no-one could imagine that one of these could end in such tragic circumstances."

The chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui, explained that criminal proceedings were “very unlikely”, despite Spanish police opening an investigation into involuntary manslaughter, which is standard practice in similar situations.

Andorra’s upcoming Segunda clash with RCD Mallorca has been officially postponed following the tragedy, while the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has formally asked the RFEF and La Liga to suspend all domestic football this weekend. A memorial service will be held at Tenerife's ground on Saturday (November 7).