Manso Says Owono Can Decide When He Returns After Jesús de Miguel Death

A cardiac arrest claimed the life of 30-year-old CD Teneriffa forward Jesús de Miguel following a heavy collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who rushed far from his penalty area during a Spanish second-division fixture.

The tragic incident prompted the murder squad of the Spanish police to open an investigation into potential negligent manslaughter, according to the Associated Press. Yet, Tenerife Chief Prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui said that legal proceedings stemming directly from the on-field play remain highly unlikely, though the player still faces a lengthy suspension from the Real Federación Española de Fútbol.

FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso announced during a pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s away fixture against UD Almería that Owono will retain complete autonomy over when he returns to the squad.

“We will give him the freedom to decide completely freely if and when he wants to return,” Manso said. “He can make this decision whenever he sees the right moment for it and genuinely feels ready.”

Spanish footballer Jesus de Miguel dies after collision during match — BBC News

Spanish media reports indicate that Manso explicitly denied rumors suggesting the 25-year-old goalkeeper is considering retirement from professional football.

Owono currently stays with his family, friends, and partner as he processes the fatal collision. “He is deeply affected by the situation,” Manso said of the Equatorial Guinea international.

“Owono is facing a very complex challenge, and we must respect his personal process and his privacy. He is probably going through one of the most difficult phases of his life. Our job is simply to stand by him and offer him as much support as possible.”

Spanish soccer player Jesús de Miguel dies at 30 after on-field collision — ABC7

The Andorra coach added that the goalkeeper’s close circle will assist him through the ordeal. The player himself previously addressed the tragedy via social media. “It is hard for me to find words, and it is very difficult for me to comprehend what happened at all,” Owono wrote online. “The loss of Jesús hurts me infinitely.”

Club psychologists and doctors currently oversee the goalkeeper’s care, DIE WELT reported. Owono has asked FC Andorra to arrange a meeting with the family of Jesús de Miguel so he can offer personal condolences, though the island club requested additional time to respect the grieving family’s privacy.

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