Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who plays for FC Andorra, a second-division Spanish club, is reportedly considering retiring from professional football at the age of 25 following his collision with Spanish striker Jesús de Miguel of CD Tenerife, who died after the incident during a league match on Monday.
Owono had attempted to clear a long ball that De Miguel was chasing before the two players collided, with the goalkeeper’s leg striking the striker on the head. Reports from Spain later confirmed that De Miguel died in hospital after being rushed there following the collision.
Owono was sent off for the challenge and has reportedly been struggling emotionally since the striker’s death.
He subsequently released a statement through his club, describing the incident as the most difficult period of his life:
“These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened. I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him.
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.”
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, a friend of the goalkeeper has disclosed that Owono is still struggling to come to terms with what happened and is now considering quitting professional football as a way of paying his respects to Jesús de Miguel.
“He’s very affected, especially for Jesús Miguel’s one-and-a-half-year-old son and for his widow. He doesn’t know how to handle all of this.”
The friend further revealed that Owono’s family has also been receiving threats despite the incident not being intentional.
Jesús de Miguel was laid to rest on November 5, with several notable figures from Spanish football in attendance.
