UEFA to hold minute’s silence for Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel

UEFA will hold a minute’s silence before all of its matches this week in memory of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who has died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second-division fixture against Andorra.

Tenerife announced the death of their 30-year-old player after his condition deteriorated following the incident, which occurred during the final stages of the match.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said he was “deeply saddened” by the player’s death.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jesus de Miguel,” he said. “We searched for words to express what we feel, but found only silence.

“Our hearts are with his family, his team-mates, everyone at Tenerife and all those suffering from this tragic loss.”

De Miguel was involved in a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in the middle of the pitch as the goalkeeper attempted to prevent him from going through on goal.

The Tenerife forward lost consciousness after the heavy impact. Medical staff and paramedics immediately came on to the pitch and attempted to revive him.

After spending 15 minutes receiving treatment on the field, De Miguel was taken to hospital by ambulance and admitted to intensive care. The referee subsequently abandoned the match.

Tenerife initially said the player’s condition was stable, although serious. In the early hours of the following day, the club reported that his neurological condition had suddenly worsened before confirming his death shortly afterwards.

The minute’s silence will take place before every UEFA match scheduled for the current week, as European football pays tribute to the striker.

De Miguel had previously represented several clubs in the lower divisions of Spanish football. He joined Tenerife last season from Castellon.

During his time with Tenerife, he made 36 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists.