Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono says he is in ‘immense pain’ after Jesus de Miguel’s death

Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has described the aftermath of Jesus de Miguel’s death as the most difficult period of his career, saying he is unable to think about anything except the Tenerife striker and the pain caused by his loss.

De Miguel died aged 30 after suffering a serious collision with Owono during a match between Tenerife and Andorra. The incident happened in the closing stages, when the two players challenged for the ball.

Medical staff attended to De Miguel before he was taken to hospital. His death was announced the following day.

Owono issued a statement through Andorra, saying: “These are the hardest days of my life. I am struggling to find the words, and it is extremely difficult for me to take in everything that has happened.”

The goalkeeper added: “I feel immense pain because of Jesus’ loss. I am thinking about him, his family and everyone who loved him.”

Owono said he understood that there were still many matters to deal with, but that his focus remained on De Miguel and those affected by his death.

“I know there are many things that have to be dealt with, and I will face what comes with the utmost respect,” he said. “But at this moment, honestly, I cannot think about anything except Jesus and the pain we are living through.”

The Spanish league association postponed Tenerife’s fixture against Granada and Andorra’s match against Real Mallorca following De Miguel’s death.

The decision was taken after the Tenerife forward died at the age of 30, with both matches postponed in the wake of the tragedy.

De Miguel’s funeral and burial are scheduled for Thursday 5 November in Navahermosa, in Toledo province. The town is the place of origin of his family.

Owono had earlier stressed that the events had left him facing the most challenging days of his professional life. His statement was released as tributes continued to focus on De Miguel, his family and the people close to him.

The Andorra goalkeeper also acknowledged the difficult circumstances that would follow, but said he would approach them respectfully. His immediate thoughts, however, remained with the Tenerife player and the grief caused by his death.