Jesus Owono statement after De Miguel death
The Jesus Owono statement released by FC Andorra on Wednesday addresses the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The goalkeeper says he is living through the most difficult days of his life after Monday’s Spanish second division collision.
De Miguel died on Tuesday morning. Owono was sent off in the match after racing from his goal and striking the 30-year-old with force. The match was suspended in stoppage time as distressed players called for immediate medical attention. De Miguel later suffered a cardiac arrest after being taken into intensive care.
"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."
"But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus."
Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday after receiving abuse online. FC Andorra said it was offering psychological support to anyone at the club who needed it. The Equatoguinean Football Federation also expressed support for Owono, saying the 25-year-old was going through profound sorrow and grief. Owono has made 47 international appearances for Equatorial Guinea.
Lautaro Spatz defends FC Andorra team-mate
FC Andorra centre-back Lautaro Spatz defended Owono on Tuesday evening. In a social media post, Spatz said those who know the goalkeeper know he would never intentionally hurt anyone.
"I also want to say a few words about my team-mate, goalkeeper and friend, who is deeply affected by what has happened," Spatz said. "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."
"In football, unfortunate incidents can happen, but no one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences," Spatz continued.
Spatz also sent condolences to De Miguel’s family and Tenerife. Andorra said the club was deeply shocked and expressed sincere condolences to De Miguel’s family, CD Tenerife and everyone close to him. The club added that no words can ease such pain but wanted them to know the club shares their sadness.
Tributes and football’s response
Fans gathered at Tenerife’s Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium to lay tributes to De Miguel. The club declared six days of official mourning. A memorial service will be held at the ground on Saturday evening, with supporters invited to attend.
Tuesday’s domestic Spanish games were called off as a mark of respect. Champions League matches went ahead, including Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa at the Nou Camp. A minute’s silence was held before the contest, and Raphinha scored twice.
Raphinha told CBS Sports afterwards that he did not want to talk about football. He said he wanted to send strength to De Miguel’s family and that it was difficult to play after seeing the news.
Raphinha said: "I want to send a lot of strength to the family of Jesus. Today I'm not going to talk about football."
"For me, the truth is it was quite difficult (to play). After seeing the news, of course I didn't have good feelings. He's a fellow player and it could have happened to anyone, it could have happened to me."
Arsenal held a minute’s silence at their training session. Manager Mikel Arteta addressed the situation in his press conference and sent condolences to De Miguel’s family, loved ones and Tenerife.
"Absolutely heartbreaking," Arteta said. "Watching back the action, the incident, what happened, to see a colleague lose his life in such a manner, it's beyond any words that I can put today."
"So, on behalf of everybody at the club, we want to send our condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, all his loved ones, and to Tenerife as well because it's been a really difficult day."
Investigation and abuse confusion
Spanish national police have opened a routine investigation into De Miguel’s death. Can Vidalet goalkeeper Michel Owono said on social media that he was receiving racist abuse, with people confusing him with the Andorra player.
Tenerife said it stood alongside De Miguel’s devastated family and loved ones. The club’s statement described the outcome as cruel.
"We stand alongside his devastated family, alongside his loved ones… that today weep for this cruel outcome."
FC Andorra said it was deeply shocked and offered condolences to De Miguel’s family, CD Tenerife and all those close to him.
The original report was published by skysports.com.
