Goalkeeper involved in fatal collision with Spanish footballer speaks out to reveal his 'enormous pain' and says he will 'face whatever comes' after police opened homicide investigation and fans called him 'murderer'

Jesus Owono, the goalkeeper involved in the fatal collision with the late Jesus de Miguel, has spoken for the first time since the tragic incident.FC Andorra goalkeeper Owono collided with opposing striker de Miguel in the latter stages of a hotly contested 2-2 draw with Tenerife in Spain's second division on Monday.De Miguel immediately collapsed following the devastating blow in which Owono's knee appeared to strike the forward in the chest. He passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning.Owono has since shut down his Instagram account amid the significant backlash he has received – which saw him subjected to chants of 'murderer' by the Tenerife fans as he left the pitch – but he has now issued a statement alongside his club. 'FC Andorra continues to be deeply affected by the death of Jesús de Miguel,' they wrote. 'In these very difficult moments, our player Jesús Owono wishes to personally share a few words.'Owono said: 'These are being 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. Jesus Owono has broken his silence after being involved in a fatal collision with Jesus de Miguel Tenerife striker de Miguel died on Tuesday morning following the horrifying clash with Owono'I feel an enormous pain for the loss of Jesús. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address; I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. 'But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything else except Jesús and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesús.'The club added: 'FC Andorra asks for the utmost sensitivity and respect.'Andorra held a minute's silence at the club's training ground today, and the collision has opened the debate surrounding challenges involving goalkeepers and outfield players in football.Former Real Madrid and Spain international goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, conceded he believed Owono used ‘excessive force’ when going for the challenge.Canizares, however, offered a defence of Owono by explaining the goalkeeper’s likely thought process and explained that they typically use their knees as protection and to help avoid collisions.‘It's a goal-scoring opportunity, and what Owono has in his head is “I have to contest that ball,” ball or player,' Canizares said.‘For me, the problem is that Owono uses excessive force, and he lacks the physical dexterity to pull himself back when he sees he's won the duel.‘He goes all out and goes all out until the end. That physical dexterity is key when only one of the two is contesting.‘What happens in this case is that I think the momentum causes the knee to rise due to the force and excessive speed it brings.’The striker was struck in the chest by Owono's flying knee as he attempted to clear the ball near the halfway line Owono said he could not 'think of anything else except Jesús and the pain we are experiencing' (Source: Instagram/Jesus Owono)FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz has also defended his team-mate, writing that the goalkeeper has been 'deeply affected' by the tragedy.'There are moments when football loses its meaning. Moments that mark you forever and make you realise how fragile life can be,' Spatz wrote in a statement shared on social media.'What we went through is something none of us will ever forget. A tragedy that has left us completely broken, speechless, and with a sadness that is difficult to explain.'First and foremost, I want to express my deepest condolences and all my love to Jesús’s family, friends, and loved ones, as well as to the entire Tenerife community and the entire football family. Since yesterday, the entire FC Andorra squad has been shocked, devastated, and deeply affected by what has happened. It is a tragedy we never imagined we would experience on a football pitch.'Spatz continued: 'I also want to say a few words to my teammate, goalkeeper, and friend, who is deeply affected by what happened. Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is. We know how much he is suffering right now and that he would never intend to hurt anyone.'In football, unforeseen events occur, but no one can imagine that one of them could end with such tragic consequences. Today, football doesn't matter. All that remains is to offer our condolences, show the utmost respect, and send all our strength to the family and to all those suffering this terrible loss. Rest in peace, Demi.'Police investigating de Miguel's death are now probing the emergency medical response as well as the possibility Owono's horror tackle could be involuntary manslaughter.It emerged yesterday homicide squad officers based in the Tenerife capital Santa Cruz had launched a probe as court officials explained any death 'not resulting from natural causes' automatically triggers a judicial investigation. Police are investigating the death of de Miguel due to protocol, and they are also now probing the emergency medical responseLegal experts have said they don't expect the ongoing investigation to lead to criminal charges against Owono because the clash occurred during open play, although he is expected to be hit with a lengthy ban.But overnight it emerged the police probe will also review the medical response to Monday's emergency and seek to address questions about whether de Miguel was given oxygen on the pitch and whether a defibrillator was used from the outset as well as issues around the assistance he received during his ambulance transfer.The 30-year-old father-of-one died on Tuesday morning at Nuestra Senora Candelaria University Hospital after his club revealed his neurological condition had worsened.Medical personnel involved in the footballer's care are expected to be questioned and detectives will sift through medical reports as part of the probe.