FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has spoken of the emotional distress he is experiencing following the death of Tenerife forward Jesus De Miguel, describing the period as the most difficult of his life.
De Miguel died on Tuesday morning, a day after sustaining injuries in a collision with Owono during a match on Monday. The Tenerife forward was taken to hospital and admitted to intensive care following the incident but later died.
In a statement released by FC Andorra on Wednesday, Owono expressed his difficulty in coming to terms with the tragedy and acknowledged that questions would need to be addressed about what happened.
“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono said.
“I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened. I know there will be many questions to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect,” he added.
“But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
The goalkeeper has also faced significant hostility on social media following De Miguel’s death, with some users directing abusive messages towards him and calling him a “murderer”.
The online harassment prompted Owono to deactivate his Instagram account on Tuesday as he dealt with the emotional impact of the incident.
FC Andorra has responded to the tragedy by making psychological support services available to players and members of staff. The club confirmed the provision of assistance as those within the organisation come to terms with the death of the Tenerife forward and its consequences.
Spatz stands by grieving teammate
Meanwhile, FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz has publicly defended Owono, expressing his support for the goalkeeper amid the criticism and abuse directed at him.
Spatz used his Instagram account on Tuesday evening to speak about his teammate, describing the emotional suffering Owono has experienced since the collision.
“I also want to say a few words about my teammate, goalkeeper and friend, who is deeply affected by what has happened,” Spatz wrote on Instagram.
“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,” he added.
The defender also conveyed his sympathies to De Miguel’s family and Tenerife, recognising the profound loss suffered by those connected to the player.
Spatz emphasised that although unfortunate incidents can happen during football matches, the tragic outcome of Monday’s collision was not something anyone could have expected.
His comments came as Owono continued to face the aftermath of an incident that has left both clubs and those involved in the match mourning De Miguel’s death.
Police begin inquiry into circumstances of death
Spanish national police have opened a routine inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Tenerife forward’s death.
The investigation is intended to examine the events surrounding the incident, which occurred during Monday’s fixture and resulted in De Miguel being taken to hospital before his death the following morning.
Owono’s statement, meanwhile, reflects the personal toll the tragedy has taken on the goalkeeper, who has found himself at the centre of public criticism despite the circumstances being investigated.
With psychological support being offered at FC Andorra and Spatz publicly standing behind his teammate, attention remains on the investigation and the loss of De Miguel.
The tragedy has also highlighted the emotional consequences of the incident for the players involved, particularly Owono, who has described the experience as the most difficult period of his life.
