Teammate and federation back goalkeeper Owono after Tenerife striker's death

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel, who was injured in a collision with him during a Spanish second-division match on Monday.

De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday from the injuries he suffered at the end of the game between Tenerife and Andorra. The match was level at 2-2 deep into stoppage time when Owono came out of his area to clear a long ball and collided with the striker. De Miguel was treated on the pitch and taken to hospital by ambulance. The referee sent Owono off and the match was abandoned.

In a statement released by his club on Wednesday, Owono said the days since have been the most difficult of his life. He said he was finding it hard to put his feelings into words or to make sense of what happened, and that his thoughts were with De Miguel, his family and everyone who loved him.

The 25-year-old, who has made 47 international appearances for Equatorial Guinea, added that he knew there would be matters to address and that he would handle them with respect, but that for now he could think only of De Miguel and the grief around him. He ended by wishing the striker rest in peace.

Owono did not train with Andorra on Wednesday, when his teammates held a minute's silence before a voluntary session. He has also deactivated his Instagram account.

Support from teammates and federation

Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz said on social media that Owono is deeply shaken and that anyone who knows him knows he would never hurt another player on purpose. Spatz said bad accidents can happen in football, but nobody expects one to end this way.

The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation also backed Owono. Its president, Venancio Tomas Micha, wrote that the goalkeeper is going through the tragedy with deep sorrow and that the federation offers him its full human and professional support.

Spanish police have opened a routine investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, under judicial supervision. Under Spanish law, a judicial inquiry is opened automatically when a death is not natural. No one has been accused of any crime.

De Miguel, a father of one, joined Tenerife in 2025 on a three-year deal. Tenerife has declared six days of mourning and suspended club activities. His funeral will be held in Navahermosa, in Toledo province, where his family has roots, and the club's players, board and staff will attend.

Tenerife will open the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez on Saturday evening for fans to pay their respects. The family has thanked supporters for their messages but asked for privacy.

What happens next

Tenerife's trip to Granada and Andorra's home game against Mallorca this weekend have been postponed. The Spanish football federation has called off this week's Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches. A minute's silence was held before Champions League matches on Tuesday, with the same planned for the rest of the week's UEFA-organised fixtures.