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Jesus Owono says he is going through the most difficult days of his life following the death of Tenerife forward Jesus De Miguel.
Owono and De Miguel were involved in a collision during a match between Andorra and Tenerife on Monday, after which the striker was taken into intensive care. De Miguel died on Tuesday morning.
“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono said in a statement released by his club FC Andorra on Wednesday, local time.
“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.”
Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday after receiving abuse online, with some users commenting ‘murderer’ on his posts. Andorra said that they were offering psychological support to anyone at the club who needed it following De Miguel’s death.
Andorra centre back Lautaro Spatz defended his teammate Owono on Tuesday evening.
“I also want to say a few words about my teammate, goalkeeper and friend, who is deeply affected by what has happened,” Spatz said on social media.
“Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment, and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone.”
“In football, unfortunate incidents can happen, but no one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences,” continued Spatz, also sending his condolences to De Miguel’s family and Tenerife.
The Equatoguinean Football Federation expressed support for Owono in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the 25-year-old was going through profound sorrow and grief.
Owono has made 47 international appearances for Equatorial Guinea.
Can Vidalet goalkeeper Michel Owono said on social media that he was receiving racist abuse, with people confusing him with the Andorra player.
Spanish national police have opened a routine investigation into De Miguel’s death.
Reuters
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