Goalkeeper involved in collision with Spanish footballer who died releases statement

A goalkeeper involved in an on-field collision with a Spanish footballer who died says he is "going through the most difficult ‌days of his life".

Andorra keeper, Jesus Owono, released a statement on Wednesday after the death of Tenerife forward Jesus De Miguel.

Owono and De Miguel were involved in a collision during a ​match between Andorra and Tenerife on Monday, after which the striker was taken into intensive care.

De Miguel died on Tuesday ​morning from a cardiac arrest.

Owono's statement read: "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. 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, 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 experiencing. Rest in ⁠peace, Jesus."

Spanish national police have opened what was described as a ‌routine investigation into De Miguel's ​death.

The goalkeeper's Instagram account has been deactivated after some users made abuse comments under his posts, including "murderer".

Writing on social media in defence of Owono, FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz said ‌his teammate "would never intentionally hurt anyone".

He called De Miguel's death "a tragedy that has left us completely broken, without words and with a sadness difficult to explain".

The post continued: "I also want to say a few words about my teammate, 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.

"In football, unfortunate incidents can happen, but no one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences."

Spatz offered his condolences to De Miguel's family and to the Tenerife club.

The incident occurred after Owono rushed out of the centre circle to clear a long ball and appeared to strike De Miguel in the chest with his knee.

Owono was sent off and the match was subsequently suspended.

The Equatoguinean Football Federation expressed support for Owono, saying that the 25-year-old was experiencing profound sorrow and grief in a statement.

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Owono has made 47 international appearances for Equatorial Guinea.

In a statement yesterday, De Miguel's club CD Tenerife said: "Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, we at CD Tenerife announce the tragic passing, on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 8am (7am UK time), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda.

"There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness".

Andorra issued a statement on X which read: "With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife. Rest in peace."

Fans gathered at Tenerife's Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium to pay tribute to De Miguel, with the club declaring six days of official mourning.

A memorial service will be held at the ground on Saturday evening for the striker, with supporters invited to attend.

(c) Sky News 2026: Goalkeeper involved in collision with Spanish footballer who died releases statement