A striker has died after a horror on pitch collision with a goalkeeper resulted in a medical emergency.
Tammy Hughes
Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel has died after suffering a serious on-pitch collision with a goalkeeper.
The 30-year-old was struck with a heavy blow to the head and chest area during a Spanish second-division match against FC Andorra on Monday.
The match was halted and goalkeeper Jesus Owono was given a red card for the challenge.
De Miguel was rushed to hospital after the incident and declared “stable but serious”, but his health deteriorated on Tuesday morning and the star passed away at 8am local time.
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“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.
“We stand alongside his devastated family, alongside his loved ones, alongside all of tinerfenismo that today weeps for this cruel outcome.
“The family of Jesus de Miguel thanks each and every one of the expressions of support received, and likewise requests, from the heart, the utmost respect for their privacy in these terrible moments.”
The accident happened after a long ball was lumped forward in the final moments of the game before De Miguel was clattered by the onrushing Owono, The Sun reported.
Some players were in tears as De Miguel lay motionless on the pitch.
The match was abandoned in the seventh minute of stoppage time with the score at 2-2.
The Andorra keeper initially headed for the dressing room before turning back to check on De Miguel as other players signalled for medics.
De Miguel is reported to have suffered a cardiac arrest in the ambulance.
De Miguel was born in Madrid in 1996 and spent his career in Spain‘s lower leagues.
He played for Leganes, Unionistas and Castellon before signing a three-year deal with Tenerife last year.
He scored 11 goals in 29 matches.
He is survived by daughter Carla de Miguel Fernandez, who was born last year.
FC Andorra also responded to De Miguel’s death, saying the club was “devastated”.
“With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife. Rest in peace,” the statement read.
Real Madrid and France striker Kylian Mbappe wrote on his social media: “Much sadness, there are no words.”
Former Barcelona, Manchester United and Spain defender Gerard Pique, who is the majority owner of FC Andorra, wrote: “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
Ex-United goalkeeper David de Gea posted heartbreak and prayer hands emojis.
- With The Sun
