The key facts
- Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Ovono has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel
- The incident occurred on 2 November in the closing stages of the match at a score of 2:2; the 30-year-old footballer died on 3 November
- It was previously reported that Ovono deleted his Instagram page due to threats and insults
The goalkeeper's first statement
Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Ovono has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel, whom he collided with during a Spanish championship match. The player's statement was published by Andorra's press service on the social network X, , reports Life.ru. 'Right now I am going through the hardest days of my life. It is difficult for me to find words, and it is almost impossible to make sense of what happened,' Ovono said. He expressed his deep condolences to the deceased's loved ones and added that all his thoughts are now with de Miguel and with the pain of the forward's family and friends.
What is known about the incident
The collision occurred on 2 November in the closing stages of the Tenerife vs Andorra match, with the score at 2:2. While contesting the ball, Ovono struck de Miguel in the chest with his knee; he lost consciousness, and medical staff provided assistance on the spot before the player was taken to hospital. Doctors diagnosed cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite resuscitation efforts, on 3 November Tenerife announced the death of the 30-year-old athlete.
Online harassment and further questions
In his statement, Ovono acknowledged that many questions related to what happened remain ahead: he assured that he will address them with due respect, but for now cannot focus on anything other than the tragedy. Earlier, Life.ru reported that the goalkeeper deleted his Instagram* page due to threats and insults: fans were already calling the goalkeeper a murderer during the match, and after de Miguel's death the harassment continued on social media. The publications do not say whether the goalkeeper faces any legal or disciplinary liability.
