Andorra goalkeeper Ovono after footballer's death in match: "These are the hardest days of my life"
After the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel during a Spanish second-division match, Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Ovono has publicly expressed his pain and pledged to face the consequences.
Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel died after a collision during a LaLiga 2 match, Spain's second-tier football league, between Tenerife and Andorra on Monday, 2 November. Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Ovono, who was involved in the collision and was shown a red card for it, has since issued a public statement.
What happened on the pitch
The incident took place during stoppage time. De Miguel, who was 30, was chasing the ball in the middle of the pitch and did not notice Ovono running towards him at speed. Ovono jumped to clear the ball and struck de Miguel in the upper body with great force. The collision caused cardiac arrest. De Miguel was taken to hospital immediately, and his death was confirmed on Tuesday morning.
Ovono's statement
Ovono posted the statement on his club's account on X. He said these are the hardest days of his life, that he finds it difficult to find words and to fully grasp what has happened.
"I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesús. My thoughts are with him, his family and everyone who held him dear," the statement said. The goalkeeper acknowledged that there will be many questions to answer and promised to face whatever follows with the utmost respect.
He added that, honestly, at this moment he cannot think of anything but de Miguel and the pain everyone is going through, and closed with the words: "Rest in peace, Jesús."
