Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono collided with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during their 2 November fixture, after which de Miguel died from accidental chest trauma. The incident deeply traumatised Owono and has cast uncertainty over his professional future.
The collision during the fixture
Owono was attempting to clear the ball when he inadvertently collided with de Miguel, resulting in a red card for the goalkeeper and leaving the 30-year-old forward stricken on the turf. Medical personnel treated de Miguel on the pitch before transferring him to a local hospital.
Owono receives psychological support
Owono's club is providing him with psychological support. Taking to social media, the Andorra goalkeeper said: “These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened.”
He added: “I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him. I know there will be many questions to address. 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.”
Possible departure from football
Mundo Deportivo reports that Owono is seriously weighing up a permanent departure from professional football.
Ana Maye, the general coordinator for the Equatorial Guinea national team and a close friend of Owono, told Mundo Deportivo: “No matter how much we tell him, he's deeply saddened. He's very affected, especially for Jesus Miguel's one-and-a-half-year-old son and for his widow. He doesn't know how to handle all of this.”
Funeral held in Navahermosa
The funeral of Jesus de Miguel was held on Thursday in his hometown of Navahermosa and attended by hundreds of mourners, including his family and senior Spanish football officials.
Speaking on behalf of the grieving family, Jesus de Miguel's agent, Manuel Hernandez, released a heartfelt public statement: “Thank you for loving him, for remembering him and for being with us. We cannot find enough words to thank you for every message, every phone call and every gesture of affection we are receiving. Feeling such affection for Jesus and seeing the mark he has left on so many people is something we will always carry with us. Jesus leaves a void that is impossible to fill, but also cherished memories for all of us who were fortunate enough to share our lives with him.”
