Jesus de Miguel's heartbroken family issue emotional first statement on footballer's death

Jesus de Miguel's family has issued their first statement following his tragic death. The Tenerife forward died after a tragic collision with Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono in a second division match this week.

The two players competed for a loose ball during a game on Monday and De Miguel was knocked to the ground after Owono charged out of his goal, only to hit the striker in the chest when attempting to clear. Owono was sent off and the challenge caused De Miguel to go into a cardiorespiratory arrest on the pitch.

De Miguel received immediate treatment but he passed away in hospital on Tuesday morning. His cause of death has been ruled as "accidental chest trauma" in a preliminary autopsy report.

Tributes poured in and the 30-year-old's funeral took place today (November 5) in his hometown, Navahermosa, Toledo, in mainland Spain. His family had remained silent after his death, but offered their first public statement since the tragedy.

Manuel Hernandez, a spokesperson for the family, has read a statement on their behalf: "In these difficult times for us, we want to sincerely thank everyone for the kind words and expressions of affection we are receiving.

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources

"We don't have enough words to thank you for every message, every call, and every gesture of affection that we are receiving. Thank you to everyone who has remembered him, to his team-mates, friends, fans and all the clubs who have wanted to convey their condolences and accompany us in this painful moment.

"Feeling such love for Jesus and witnessing the impact he has had on so many people is something we will always carry with us. Therefore, we respectfully request that our privacy and that of all those accompanying us at this time be protected.

"We need to grieve in the peace and quiet that this situation requires. We understand the affection, concern, and support that her loss is generating, and we are deeply grateful.

"Jesus leaves a void impossible to fill, but also an immense memory in all of us who have been lucky enough to share our lives with him. Thank you for loving him, for remembering him, and for being with us. His family."

Both De Miguel's girlfriend Maria and his infant daughter Carla were tragically at the stadium for Monday's game and a family friend, Fernando Roman, gave an interview with Spanish outlet Vamos a Ver. He opened up about how De Miguel's girlfriend was left alone in the hospital following his passing. The player's parents travelled in after hearing the news.

"Yesterday, my girlfriend and I were talking all afternoon and all night with Maria, his girlfriend, who was alone in the hospital," Roman said. "I've spoken with his girlfriend, and you can imagine how she is. Now we have to be with the family. We have to send our love to his family, to Maria, to his daughter Carla, who is a year and a few months old."

Goalkeeper Owono broke his silence on the tragic ordeal on Wednesday. He said: "These are the most difficult days of my life. I am struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened.