Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died in hospital on Tuesday after an accidental collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in stoppage time of the Spanish second division match between Tenerife and Andorra on Monday. The report says De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after the collision, and Owono was sent off following the incident.
Owono statement released by Andorra
Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, said in a statement released by his club Andorra on Wednesday: "These are the most difficult days of my life."
He added: "I’m struggling to find the words and finding it very difficult to process anything that has happened."
Owono also said: "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 issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I can’t think of anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus."
Police investigation
Police confirmed on Tuesday that they have opened a "routine" investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter.
Under Spanish law, any death that is deemed non-natural automatically triggers a judicial inquiry.
Owono deleted his Instagram account on Tuesday.
Club and team-mate responses
Tenerife announced six days of mourning following De Miguel's death.
While defending his team-mate, Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz said: "Those of us who know him know the type of person he is, how much he is suffering in these moments and that he would never intend to hurt anyone."
Spatz added: "In football, unfortunate incidents happen, but no-one could imagine that one of these could end in such tragic circumstances."
Tributes and memorial
Fans gathered at Tenerife's Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium to lay tributes to De Miguel.
A memorial service will be held at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium on Saturday evening for De Miguel, with supporters invited to attend.
A minute’s silence was held before each of Tuesday night's Champions League fixtures and will take place before all other Uefa fixtures.
Barcelona's Raphinha paid tribute to De Miguel on Tuesday, telling CBS Sports: "Today I don't want to talk about football, I want to send a message to the family of Jesus - may he rest in peace. From the club, I want to send a message of strength to the family."
