Jesús Owono has expressed grief following the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel. In a statement published by FC Andorra and reported by The Guardian, the goalkeeper said he was struggling to process events and would face the questions ahead with respect.
His immediate thoughts were with De Miguel, the striker's family and those who loved him. The response comes as the clubs prepare further tributes after the on-field collision earlier in the week.
Support from club and teammates
Andorra said it remained deeply affected and called for respect and sensitivity. The club is providing psychological support to members who need it.
Teammate Lautaro Spatz also sent condolences to De Miguel's family and Tenerife. In comments relayed by The Guardian and Sky Sports, he described Owono's distress and said that those who know him believe he would never intentionally hurt anyone.
The Equatoguinean Football Federation expressed support for its international goalkeeper. The Guardian credits Owono with 47 caps. He deactivated Instagram after receiving online abuse.
Tenerife's farewell plans
De Miguel died aged 30 after the collision during Tenerife's match against Andorra. Supporters have left flowers at stadium gate nine, matching his shirt number, and a silence was held at the Canary Islands government building.
The Guardian reports that Tenerife players and staff plan to fly to Madrid on Thursday morning, local time, before attending the funeral in Navahermosa, Toledo province. A final stadium tribute is planned for Saturday evening at Heliodoro Rodríguez López.
Those farewells and support for affected members come next, while Spanish police continue investigating the circumstances.