Goalkeeper Owono Devastated After Tragic Collision with De Miguel

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has described the current period as the “hardest days of my life” following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. De Miguel tragically passed away on Tuesday from injuries sustained during a collision with Owono during a Spanish second division match on Monday.

The incident occurred when the 30-year-old Spanish footballer and the Equatorial Guinea international Owono, 25, collided in midfield as Owono raced 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,” Owono stated in a release from his club, Andorra, on Wednesday. “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.”

Spanish police have reportedly opened an investigation into the incident under judicial supervision. Andorra players held a minute’s silence on Wednesday before a voluntary training session, which Owono did not attend. The president of the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation, Venancio Tomas Ndong Micha, offered his condolences and support to Owono in a letter, stating, “I feel compelled to convey all our solidarity and support at this time to our player Jesus Lazaro Owono. 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 also expressed support for Owono on Instagram, noting that the goalkeeper was “deeply affected” by the events. “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,” Spatz wrote. “In football, unfortunate incidents can happen, but no one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences.”

In light of the tragedy, both Tenerife and Andorra's scheduled Spanish second division matches for the upcoming weekend have been postponed. Granada, who were set to play Tenerife away, and Mallorca, who were due to visit Andorra, confirmed the postponements. The Spanish football federation also postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches this week as a mark of respect. Tenerife plans to hold a tribute to De Miguel at their stadium on Saturday, with a six-day mourning period observed by the club. The first team, board, and staff will attend De Miguel’s funeral in Navahermosa. A minute of silence was observed before Champions League matches on Tuesday and will be held for all fixtures this week, as organized by UEFA.