FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono said on Wednesday he was living through the “hardest days” of his life after Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel died following a collision during Monday’s Spanish second division match.
Owono issued a club-published statement expressing his shock and sorrow. “These are being the hardest days of my life,” he said. “I find it hard to find the words and very difficult to assimilate what has happened. I feel a huge pain [at] the loss of Jesús. I am thinking about him, his family and all the people who loved him.”
The goalkeeper’s remarks came as members of his own squad moved to publicly back him in the wake of the tragedy. FC Andorra said the club had released his message and that team-mates had offered support as he and the wider football community process the incident.
The collision occurred during the match on Monday in Spain’s second tier. Authorities and clubs involved have provided limited public detail beyond confirming de Miguel’s death and the clubs’ statements of condolence.
Owono’s statement and the expressions of support reflect the wider shock felt across Spanish football after a fatal event on the pitch, prompting tributes and condolences from clubs, players and supporters. Both FC Andorra and Tenerife are expected to work with authorities and the league as any investigations or reviews proceed.
As clubs and players continue to respond, the immediate focus for many remains on the welfare of those affected and on supporting the family and friends of the player who died.