FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has issued a statement expressing "enormous pain" after Jesus de Miguel died in hospital following a collision between the two players during a match in Spain's second division.
Owono said he is enduring the "most difficult days of my life" after the incident, which occurred last week near the halfway line. It appeared Owono's knee struck the Tenerife striker's chest, causing him to collapse. De Miguel was rushed to hospital but died on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Owono's statement
In a statement released through FC Andorra, Owono said: "These are the most difficult days of my life. I am struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened."
"I feel an enormous pain for the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family and everyone who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address; I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything else except Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus."
The club added: "FC Andorra asks for the utmost sensitivity and respect."
Investigation and response
Spanish police have opened a possible involuntary manslaughter case as part of a routine investigation. Any death "not resulting from natural causes" automatically triggers a judicial investigation from homicide officers.
According to The Mirror, Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui said criminal proceedings against the goalkeeper are "very unlikely". As part of the homicide investigation, officers will examine the medical response, including whether De Miguel was given oxygen on the pitch, if a defibrillator was used, and the support he received during his ambulance transfer.
Club and teammate tributes
Owono's teammate Lautaro Spatz also defended the goalkeeper, writing: "There are moments when football loses its meaning. Moments that mark you forever and make you realise how fragile life can be. What we went through is something none of us will ever forget."
He added: "I also want to say a few words to my teammate, goalkeeper, and friend, who is deeply affected by what happened. Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is. We know how much he is suffering right now and that he would never intend to hurt anyone."
All football matches in Spain have been suspended until Friday, with Tenerife suspending all club activities for six days of mourning. The club will pay tribute to De Miguel at their home ground, the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium, on November 7 at 6pm.
