FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono says he is enduring ‘the most difficult days of my life’ following the death of the Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.
The 30-year-old died in hospital on Tuesday following a challenge from Owono during FC Andorra’s game against Tenerife in the Spanish second division on Monday.
De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after Owono had sprinted from his goal towards the halfway line and struck the Tenerife striker in the chest with his knee as he attempted to clear the ball.
After being taken to hospital, Tenerife described De Miguel’s condition as ‘stable’ on Monday night but the club issued a second update in the early hours of Tuesday morning which said that his ‘medical condition has deteriorated neurologically.’
De Miguel died later on Tuesday morning, while police in Spain have opened an investigation for possible involuntary manslaughter.
According to Metro, in his first statement since De Miguel’s death, Owono says he will ‘face whatever comes with the utmost respect’.
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“These are the most difficult days of my life. I’m struggling to find the words and finding it very hard to process what has happened,” Owono said.
“I feel immense pain at the loss of Jesus. I’m thinking of him, his family, and 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 can’t think of anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
The club added at the end of the statement: “FC Andorra requests the utmost sensitivity and respect.“
On Tuesday, Owono received support from his national team, Equatorial Guinea, following De Miguel’s death.
Venancio Tomas Ndong Micha, the president of the Equatorial Guinean Football Federation, said: “I feel it is necessary to convey our full solidarity and support at this time to our player, Jesus Lazaro Owono.
“We know that, as an involuntary participant in this fatal incident during the match, he is experiencing this situation with profound distress and anguish.
“The Equatorial Guinean Football Federation offers him our full personal and professional support, fully aware of the severity of this event—something no one in our sport ever wishes to witness.
‘We share in your mourning and remain entirely at your disposal. Please accept our deepest respect and support during these most difficult times.”
