Florentino Perez leads football's farewell to Jesus de Miguel at Toledo funeral

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was among the senior figures from Spanish football who gathered in Toledo on Thursday for the funeral of Jesus de Miguel, the Tenerife striker who died aged 30 after a collision during a match against Andorra FC.

De Miguel passed away on Tuesday morning, one day after Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono struck him in the chest while rushing out to clear the ball. A preliminary autopsy report attributed his death to “accidental chest trauma”.

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets of De Miguel’s hometown of Toledo for the service. Alongside Perez, the funeral was attended by Rafael Louzan, president of the Spanish football federation, World Cup-winning Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, and Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin. Real Madrid legends Jose Antonio Camacho, Emilio Butragueno and Predrag Mijatovic were also present.

Louzan addressed the media at the funeral: “Thank you to everyone here. Today was the day to be here, supporting Jesus’ family. Our solidarity is with you because I believe this is an irreparable loss. This tragedy should show us the path that still needs to be corrected regarding medical prevention, so that they are always in the right place. It is a very difficult day. Football must stand united today.”

De La Fuente added: “I echo the president’s words. With deep sorrow and emotion, we convey our condolences and respect. It is the best way to demonstrate that football is united. A very warm embrace to all his loved ones.”

Tributes have poured in from across Europe throughout the week, with this week’s Champions League fixtures opening with a moment of silence in De Miguel’s honour.

Owono, the Equatorial Guinea international who was sent off following the collision, also released a statement expressing his grief. “These are being the most difficult days of my life,” he wrote. “I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I am thinking of him, his family, and all the people who loved him. I know there will be many matters to address, and I will face whatever comes with complete respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything other than Jesus and the grief we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”