Andorra Goalkeeper Owono Given Time to Decide Future After De Miguel Tragedy

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been given time to decide whether he wants to return to football following the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.

Owono, 25, was sent off after colliding with De Miguel during a Spanish second-division match on November 2. The Tenerife forward died in hospital the following day.

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Andorra manager Carles Manso said the Equatorial Guinea international was spending time with his family and had the club’s full support as he considers his future.

Manso stressed that Owono would not be pressured into making a decision about returning to football, insisting the club’s priority was his emotional wellbeing.

Speaking to BBC Sport on Thursday, the manager said: “What we have to do is support him in every way and be close to him.

“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.”

Andorra released a statement on behalf of Owono on November 4, in which the goalkeeper described the period as “the most difficult days of my life”.

He also expressed profound sadness over De Miguel’s death, saying: “I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”

Meanwhile, De Miguel’s family have thanked those who contributed to a crowdfunding campaign established to support his relatives following the tragedy.

The campaign, organised by Hercules forward Fran Sol, has raised more than £170,000, with all proceeds going to De Miguel’s family.

In a statement released through the Spanish Footballers’ Association on Thursday, the family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they had received.

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the expressions of affection and support we have received,” they said.

“We have been deeply moved to see so many of you rally behind this initiative.”

Andorra are scheduled to return to action on Saturday against Almeria in the Spanish second division, marking their first match since De Miguel’s death.