Goalkeeper involved in fatal Jesus de Miguel incident breaks silence as police launch investigation

Goalkeeper Jesus Owono says he feels "enormous pain" after being involved in the fatal collision with Tenerife star Jesus de Miguel. Owono has released a statement alongside his club, Andorra, expressing that he is going through the most difficult days of his life.

The shotstopper collided with De Miguel close to the halfway line during a match in Spain's second division. The Tenerife ace was hit in the chest by Owono's knee and he quickly collapsed on the floor, with players on the field calling for help.

De Miguel was taken to hospital for treatment but tragically died on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. A routine investigation regarding possible involuntary manslaughter has since been opened by Spanish police.

The incident has left Spanish football in a state of mourning following the 30-year-old's death. Owono has faced backlash for his challenge, which led him to shut down his Instagram account, but he has now spoken about the tragedy.

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In a statement, FC Andorra said: "FC Andorra continues to be deeply affected by the death of Jesús de Miguel. In these very difficult moments, our player Jesus Owono wishes to personally share a few words."

Owono said: "These are the most difficult days of my life. I am struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened.

"I feel an enormous pain for the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family and everyone who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address; I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.

"But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything else except Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus."

The club added: "FC Andorra asks for the utmost sensitivity and respect."

Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui said that criminal proceedings against Owono are 'very unlikely'. The goalkeeper's teammate, Lautaro Spatz, has jumped to Owono's defence.

Spatz wrote: "There are moments when football loses its meaning. Moments that mark you forever and make you realise how fragile life can be. What we went through is something none of us will ever forget.

"A tragedy that has left us completely broken, speechless and with a sadness that is difficult to explain. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest condolences and all my love to Jesus' family, friends, and loved ones, as well as to the entire Tenerife community and the entire football family.

"Since yesterday, the entire FC Andorra squad has been shocked, devastated, and deeply affected by what has happened. It is a tragedy we never imagined we would experience on a football pitch.

"I also want to say a few words to my teammate, goalkeeper, and friend, who is deeply affected by what happened. Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is.

"We know how much he is suffering right now and that he would never intend to hurt anyone. In football, unforeseen events occur, but no one can imagine that one of them could end with such tragic consequences.

"Today, football doesn't matter. All that remains is to offer our condolences, show the utmost respect, and send all our strength to the family and to all those suffering this terrible loss. Rest in peace, Demi."

Any death 'not resulting from natural causes' automatically triggers a judicial investigation, meaning homicide officers in Tenerife launched a probe. This will also take into account the medical response to the situation, with questions to be addressed about whether De Miguel was given oxygen on the pitch, whether a defibrillator was used and issues around the assistance he received during his ambulance transfer.

Matches have been suspended in Spain until Friday, while Tenerife suspended all of their club activities as they entered into six days of mourning. They will pay tribute to De Miguel at their home ground, the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium on November 7 at 6pm and have encouraged supporters who wish to say farewell to the forward to attend.

The first team, coaching staff and club management will attend De Miguel's funeral, which will take place in Navahermosa.