FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been given the freedom to decide whether he wants to continue his professional football career following the tragic death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, with manager Carles Manso insisting that the club will not pressure him into making an immediate decision.
The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international has been struggling emotionally since the incident involving De Miguel during a Spanish second-division encounter on November 2, which ended in devastating circumstances after the Tenerife forward died in hospital the following day.
Owono was sent off during the encounter after rushing out to challenge for the ball and colliding with De Miguel. The incident left the Tenerife striker seriously injured, and despite receiving emergency medical attention, he later passed away.
The tragedy has had a profound impact on both clubs, particularly Owono, who has been directly involved in an incident with consequences that have shocked Spanish football.
Speaking ahead of Andorra’s return to competitive action, Manso explained that the goalkeeper was currently spending time with his family and close friends as he attempts to cope with the emotional weight of the situation.
The manager made it clear that the club’s immediate priority was supporting the player rather than demanding a quick return to training or competitive football.
“What we have to do is support him in every way and be close to him,” Manso said.
He added that Owono would be allowed to make his decision whenever he felt emotionally prepared, including the possibility of stepping away from football altogether.
“We will give him space so that he feels completely free to make any decision, whether he wants to return, when, or if he does not want to return.”
The manager’s comments underline the seriousness of the psychological challenges facing the goalkeeper, whose immediate future remains uncertain following the tragedy.
Owono had earlier broken his silence through a statement released by FC Andorra on November 4, describing the period following De Miguel’s death as the most difficult days of his life.
The goalkeeper expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the Tenerife forward and extended his thoughts to the deceased player’s family and everyone who knew him.
“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him,” he said.
Owono also acknowledged that there would eventually be questions surrounding the incident, promising to face whatever issues arose with respect. However, he stressed that his immediate thoughts remained with De Miguel and those mourning his death.
The incident also attracted disturbing reactions on social media, where the goalkeeper faced personal attacks following news of the striker’s death. His club and teammates have continued to stand behind him, emphasising the need for compassion during an exceptionally difficult period.
Meanwhile, De Miguel’s family has received significant support from the football community following the tragedy.
A crowdfunding campaign organised by Hercules forward Fran Sol has raised more than £170,000 to support the late striker’s relatives, with all proceeds directed towards his family.
In a statement released through the Spanish Footballers’ Association, De Miguel’s family expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the initiative and offered messages of sympathy.
They said the overwhelming support had deeply moved them, thanking everyone who had rallied behind the family during their difficult period.
Andorra are scheduled to return to action against Almeria on Saturday, November 14, marking their first competitive fixture since De Miguel’s death.
However, Owono’s participation remains uncertain as the club continues to respect his personal recovery process.
For now, the goalkeeper’s future in football takes a back seat to the emotional impact of the tragedy, with Andorra making it clear that his well-being will come before any sporting considerations.
