Striker De Miguel Dies After On-Pitch Collision; Goalkeeper Owono Calls It the Hardest Days of His Life

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono said he is enduring the hardest days of his life after the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, whom he collided with during a Spanish second division match on Monday.

The 30-year-old Spanish footballer de Miguel died on Tuesday from injuries suffered in the collision with Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international who had raced into midfield to clear an aerial ball.

"These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened," Owono said in a statement published by his club Andorra on Wednesday. "I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him."

Owono added: "I know there will be many issues to address, and 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 going through. Rest in peace, Jesus."

Spanish police sources told the AFP news agency that an investigation into what happened has been opened, under judicial supervision.

Andorra players observed a minute's silence on Wednesday before a voluntary training session, which Owono, 25, did not attend.

Owono received support from Venancio Tomas Ndong Micha, president of Equatorial Guinea's football federation, in a letter of condolence. Micha wrote that he felt compelled to convey all solidarity and support to their player Jesus Lazaro Owono, that as the involuntary protagonist of the tragic incident Owono is living through it with deep sorrow and distress, and that the federation offers him all its human and professional backing.

Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz posted on social media in support of Owono, saying he was deeply affected. Those who know Owono know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering, and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone, Spatz wrote, adding that unfortunate incidents can happen in football but no one could imagine one ending with such tragic consequences.

Earlier on Wednesday it was confirmed that Tenerife and Andorra's Spanish second division matches scheduled for the weekend would be postponed. Tenerife were due to face Granada away, while Andorra were set to welcome Mallorca. Granada said in a statement that, after the tragic news of the death of Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel, Saturday 7 November's game at the Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium had been postponed. Mallorca said that at times like this, respect and sensitivity in the face of profound grief must come first.

The Spanish football federation postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches this week as a mark of respect following de Miguel's death.

Tenerife plan to hold a tribute to de Miguel at the club's stadium on Saturday, which supporters can attend, and are holding a six-day mourning period. The club said the first team, board and staff will attend de Miguel's funeral in Navahermosa, in the province of Toledo on the Spanish mainland, where he has family roots.

A minute of silence was held before Champions League matches on Tuesday in honour of the striker, with the same planned for the rest of the week's fixtures organised by European football's governing body UEFA.