Spain soccer coach and Real Madrid president at funeral of player who died after collision

Spanish Football Federation President Rafael Louzan and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente at the funeral of Jesús de Miguel. | Photo Credit: AFP

Family members and teammates of Jesús de Miguel were joined by Spain’s national team coach and Real Madrid’s president at the player’s funeral on Thursday, days after he died following an on-field collision.

The 30-year-old De Miguel died on Tuesday, a day after suffering cardiac arrest in a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a second-division match.

His Tenerife teammates travelled from the Canary Islands to attend the funeral. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez were also present.

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“It is with deep sorrow and genuine emotion that we offer our condolences and our respect,” De la Fuente told reporters before the service. “It is the best way to show that the soccer community stands united, by sending a very warm embrace to all his loved ones.”

The funeral car, covered in floral arrangements, moved slowly to the church in Navahermosa, central Spain, followed on foot by dozens of people, several holding candles.

De Miguel’s parents were reportedly born in the town, which has about 3,000 residents and announced three days of mourning. He was born in Madrid and helped Tenerife win promotion to the second division last year.

On Monday, he collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono while contesting a high ball late in the game. Medical staff treated him for five minutes before he was taken away in an ambulance.

Owono has voiced his remorse and offered condolences to De Miguel’s family, which includes his wife and 1-year-old daughter.

Spain’s National Police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, standard procedure for a non-natural death, to examine whether Owono’s challenge went beyond the normal course of play.