Jesus Owono Breaks Silence: ‘The Most Difficult Days of My Life’ After Jesus de Miguel’s Death

Football is in mourning. FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has spoken for the first time since the collision that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel, saying he is living through the most difficult days of his life. Tributes have come from across the game.

Owono’s Statement: ‘I Struggle to Find the Words’

In a statement released through FC Andorra on Wednesday, Owono said he is finding it very hard to process what has happened. He added that he will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.

“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono said. “But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday after receiving abuse online. Andorra said the club is offering psychological support to anyone who needs it.

What Happened in Stoppage Time

The incident came during a Spanish second division match on Monday. Owono raced from his goal and collided with 30-year-old De Miguel in stoppage time, and the goalkeeper was sent off.

The match was suspended as distressed players called for immediate medical attention. De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest, was taken to hospital and never regained consciousness. He died on Tuesday morning.

Key Facts at a Glance

Team-Mate and Federation Rally Behind Owono

Andorra centre-back Lautaro Spatz defended his team-mate on Tuesday evening. He described Owono as a goalkeeper and friend who is deeply affected by what has happened.

“Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment, and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone,” Spatz said on social media. He also sent his condolences to De Miguel’s family and Tenerife.

The Equatoguinean Football Federation also backed Owono. It said the 25-year-old is going through a situation of profound sorrow and grief.

Online Abuse Spills Over

The fallout has reached other players. Can Vidalet goalkeeper Michel Owono said on social media that he was receiving racist abuse, with people confusing him with the Andorra player.

Tenerife Mourns Its Striker

Fans gathered at Tenerife’s Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium to lay tributes to De Miguel. The club has declared six days of official mourning.

A memorial service will be held at the ground on Saturday evening, and supporters are invited to attend. In its statement, Tenerife said it stands alongside his devastated family and loved ones, who “weep for this cruel outcome.”

Andorra said the club was “deeply shocked” and sent its sincere condolences to De Miguel’s family, Tenerife and everyone close to him. “We know that no words can ease such pain,” the club said.

Football Pauses to Remember

Tuesday’s domestic Spanish games were called off as a mark of respect. Champions League matches went ahead, including Barcelona’s clash with Aston Villa at the Nou Camp.

A minute’s silence was held before kick-off, and Barca went on to win 3-0 with Raphinha scoring twice. Afterwards, the Brazilian chose not to talk about the match.

“I want to send a lot of strength to the family of Jesus. Today I’m not going to talk about football,” he told CBS Sports. “He was the same age as me, I don’t know if that’s why it affected me more. Personally, it touched me a lot.”

Arsenal Pay Their Respects

Arsenal also held a minute’s silence at their training session. Manager Mikel Arteta addressed the tragedy at his press conference.

“Absolutely heartbreaking,” said Arteta. “To see a colleague lose his life in such a manner, it’s beyond any words that I can put today.” He sent the club’s condolences to De Miguel’s family, loved ones and Tenerife.

A Sport United in Grief

The tragedy has shaken players, clubs and supporters across Spain and beyond. In the middle of the sorrow, the messages from Owono’s team-mates and federation, and from the wider game, are a reminder of the human side of the sport.

For now, the focus is on De Miguel’s family, his club and the supporters who will gather on Saturday to say goodbye. Owono’s own words, simple and heartfelt, capture the mood: the pain is shared, and it is immense.