By By Contributing Writer
Monrovia – FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has broken his silence after the on-field collision that led to the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, saying he is devastated and will carry the pain forever.
In an emotional statement released Tuesday, hours after Tenerife announced de Miguel’s death, Owono said:
“I never intended to harm anyone. It was a terrible accident that I wish I could have prevented. No words can express the pain, guilt, and sadness I am feeling right now.”
“I extend my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him. Football means a lot to me, but no match, no victory, and no rivalry will ever be worth a human life.”
“I am sincerely sorry. I will carry this pain with me forever. Rest in peace.”
The statement came as the 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international deactivated his Instagram account following a wave of online abuse, after the fatal incident in the Segunda División.
The collision occurred Monday night at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium. With the game tied 2-2 in the 97th minute, Owono rushed out of his area to the halfway line to challenge a long ball chased by de Miguel. Owono jumped with his knee raised and struck de Miguel in the chest, causing cardiac arrest. Medical staff performed CPR for over five minutes before he was rushed to hospital, where he died Tuesday morning at age 30.
Owono, who was shown a straight red card, was seen returning to check on de Miguel while leaving the field and later crying and praying in the locker room, according to Cadena COPE.
FC Andorra said it shares Tenerife’s grief and has asked for its next game to be postponed, while police said a routine judicial investigation for involuntary manslaughter has been opened, though prosecutors say criminal charges are unlikely.
