FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has expressed his “enormous pain” over the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.
Owono’s knee crashed into De Miguel’s chest when the pair clashed over a loose ball during the Second Division match between the clubs at Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López on Monday.
The Equatorial Guinea international was sent off but remained on the field as players from both sides and medical teams rushed to De Miguel’s aid.
De Miguel, 30 years old, was taken to the hospital but died Tuesday morning.
Owono has received widespread criticism for the challenge and is now the subject of a police investigation for possible manslaughter.
The 25-year-old’s teammate Lautaro Spatz spoke out in Owono’s defense on Wednesday. and the porter has now broken his silence by acknowledging his deep pain.
he said in a statement released by FC Andorra: “These are the most difficult days of my life.
“It’s hard for me to find the words and it’s very hard for me to assimilate everything that has happened. I feel enormous pain for the loss of Jesus. I think about him, his family and all the people who loved him.”
Owono says he is ready for whatever action the authorities take, but his immediate priority is honoring De Miguel’s memory.
He added: “I know there will be a lot of issues to deal with, I’ll deal with whatever comes with all due respect, but right now, honestly, I can’t think of anything but Jesus and the pain we’re going through.
“Rest in peace, Jesus.”