Andorra keeper speaks after Tenerife striker dies from match collision

Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono said the days since his collision with Tenerife forward Jesus De Miguel have been the hardest of his life. De Miguel died Tuesday morning after suffering cardiac arrest in the hospital.

The two players collided on the pitch during a match on Monday. Medical staff transported De Miguel to a hospital, where he entered intensive care before passing away the next day. Spanish national police opened a routine investigation into the circumstances of the death.

Owono issued a personal statement on Wednesday. He admitted that finding the right words to describe the event was difficult. The goalkeeper acknowledged that questions would arise in the coming days and said he would face them with respect.

He stated that his primary focus remained on De Miguel and the shared pain of the situation. Owono offered his condolences to the late player and wished him rest in peace.

Public reaction on social media turned quickly toward Owono in the immediate aftermath. His Instagram account was deactivated, and several users left comments expressing frustration or sadness. One user described the goalkeeper as a murderer.

Defender Lautaro Spatz, a teammate at FC Andorra, responded publicly to support Owono. Spatz described the goalkeeper as a friend who was deeply affected by the outcome. He argued that anyone who knows Owono understands his character and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone.

Spatz noted that while unfortunate incidents happen in football, no one could have imagined one would end with such tragic consequences. He extended his condolences to the De Miguel family and the Tenerife club.