Jesús Owono Says He Is in “the Most Difficult Days” After Jesús de Miguel’s Death
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono says he is struggling to process the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel after the players collided during a
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono says he is struggling to process the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel after the players collided during a Spanish second-division match. De Miguel, 30, died in hospital on Tuesday, November 3, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono said in a statement released by his club on Wednesday. He said he was thinking of De Miguel, his family and those who loved him, adding that he would face questions about what happened with respect.
The collision came in stoppage time of Monday’s match. Owono left his penalty area to clear the ball and struck De Miguel in the chest, according to reports of the incident. De Miguel required urgent medical attention and was taken to hospital. Owono was sent off, and the match was abandoned at 2-2 with only moments remaining.
Investigation opened
Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, also said he could not yet think beyond the pain of De Miguel’s death. His teammate Lautaro Spatz said the goalkeeper was “deeply affected” and stressed that he had not intended to hurt anyone.
“In football, there are accidental incidents,” Spatz wrote, describing the outcome as a tragedy no one could have anticipated. Owono was reportedly crying and praying in the dressing room after the match.
Spanish police opened an investigation on Tuesday. Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation. The investigation’s opening does not establish responsibility for the collision.
Tenerife announced De Miguel’s death in a statement and said his family had asked for privacy during their grief. Owono said he knew there would be questions to address, but that his immediate focus was on the loss.
The police inquiry is now the next formal step in establishing the circumstances of the incident.
