The Equatorial Guinea international says he is struggling to process the loss of Jesús de Miguel, while a teammate has defended him amid online abuse following the fatal collision

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has spoken publicly for the first time since his collision with Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, who died a day after the incident during a Spanish second-division match.

The most difficult days of his life

In a statement released by his club on Nov. 4, the 25-year-old described the period since the incident as the most difficult days of his life. He said he was finding it hard to process what had happened and expressed his grief over De Miguel’s death.

Owono added that he understood there would be questions to address but said his immediate thoughts were with the deceased player, his family and those mourning him.

Online abuse and club support

The goalkeeper’s comments came as he faced abuse on social media, including messages accusing him of murder. FC Andorra said it was offering psychological support to members of the club affected by the tragedy.

Teammate and federation stand by Owono

Defender Lautaro Spatz also publicly stood by his teammate, saying Owono was deeply affected by the events and had never intended to hurt anyone.

The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation has also expressed support for the goalkeeper.

Investigation unlikely to lead to charges

De Miguel, 30, suffered cardiac arrest following the collision during the match on Nov. 2 and died at a hospital the next morning.

Spanish police have opened a judicial investigation into his death, a standard procedure in cases involving non-natural deaths. However, the chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has indicated that criminal proceedings against Owono are considered very unlikely.