By Our Reporter
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has broken his silence following the tragic death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, describing the incident and its aftermath as the most difficult period of his life.
“I know that there will be many issues to address, I will face whatever comes with all due respect,” Owono said in an emotional statement released through his club on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international expressed deep sorrow over the death of De Miguel, who suffered a cardiac arrest following a collision with him during a Spanish second-division encounter on Monday, November 2. The 30-year-old striker died on Tuesday, November 3.
Owono, who was sent off following the incident, said he was struggling to come to terms with what had happened.
“These are the most difficult days of my life. It’s hard for me to find the words, and I find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened,” he said.
Expressing his condolences to the deceased player’s family, friends and loved ones, the goalkeeper added: “I feel enormous pain for the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family and all the people who loved him.
“I know that there will be many issues to address, I will face whatever comes with all due respect.”
He concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the late footballer, saying: “But right now, honestly, I can’t think of anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
The tragedy has reportedly taken a heavy emotional toll on Owono, who has also faced abusive messages on social media following the incident. He subsequently deactivated his Instagram account.
His FC Andorra teammate, Lautaro Spatz, came to his defence, insisting that those who know the goalkeeper understand how deeply affected he is and that he would never deliberately hurt anyone.
The incident was an unfortunate on-field accident, but the emotional burden Owono may have to carry for the rest of his life is difficult to imagine.
Meanwhile, Spanish authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death, a standard procedure in cases involving unnatural deaths.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the football world, with clubs, players and supporters mourning the Tenerife striker, whose death at the age of 30 has sent shockwaves through Spanish football.