By Fatma Younis
The funeral of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel took place on Thursday in Navahermosa, Toledo, the hometown of his parents, following his death on Tuesday after a serious injury sustained during a Spanish second division match against FC Andorra.
Family expresses gratitude
In a statement released through his agent Manuel Hernandez, De Miguel's family thanked the public for the overwhelming support, saying they will always remember "the mark he has left on so many people." The father-of-one died at 07:00 GMT on Tuesday after colliding with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who was sent off and the match abandoned.
Football community pays tribute
Mourners laid flowers and lit candles at Tenerife's Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, while a minute's silence was observed at all European competition matches this week. Notable attendees at the funeral included Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, and former Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho.
Goalkeeper speaks of pain
Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono described experiencing "the most difficult days of my life" and expressed enormous pain over the loss, adding his thoughts are with De Miguel's family and loved ones. The family requested privacy to grieve in peace.
