Goalkeeper Owono Issues Statement After Tenerife Forward Dies Following On-Field Collision

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owno said he is experiencing the most difficult days of his life in a statement released by the club on Wednesday, following the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The 30-year-old forward collapsed after a collision with Owno during a Spanish second-division match on Monday and suffered cardiac arrest before being taken to intensive care, where he later died.

"These are the most difficult days of my life," Owno said. "I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened. 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."

Owno deactivated his Instagram account after receiving online abuse. FC Andorra announced psychological support would be offered to club members, and the Equatoguinean Football Federation issued a statement expressing sympathy for Owno, noting his 47 international caps. The federation later confirmed Owno would miss upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.

Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz defended his teammate on social media, stating that Owno would never intentionally harm anyone and expressing condolences to de Miguel’s family and Tenerife. Another goalkeeper, Michel Owno, reported receiving racist abuse from fans who confused him with the Andorran player.

Spanish national police have opened a routine investigation into de Miguel’s death. Tenerife fans gathered at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium for tributes, and the club declared six days of official mourning, with a memorial service scheduled for Saturday.

Domestic matches in Spain were postponed as a mark of respect, while Champions League fixtures continued, including a minute’s silence before Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Brazilian forward Raphinha, speaking to CBS Sports, said he wanted to send strength to de Miguel’s family and avoided discussing the game.

Arsenal observed a minute’s silence at a training session, and manager Mikel Arteta described the incident as “absolutely heartbreaking” in a press conference, offering condolences to de Miguel’s family and Tenerife.

The Tenerife match was suspended after the incident, which occurred in stoppage time, and the club issued a statement expressing sorrow for the “cruel outcome.” Andorra also released a statement expressing deep shock and condolences to the victim’s family and club.