Spanish football comes together to say farewell to Tenerife’s Jesus de Miguel

The Spanish football community gathered in Navahermosa on Thursday to mourn the death of Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel, whose funeral was attended by family, friends, neighbours, team-mates and representatives from across the sport.

De Miguel, who was 30, died on Tuesday after suffering a heavy collision with the Andorra goalkeeper. His funeral service was held at the San Miguel Arcangel Church in Navahermosa.

A number of clubs were represented at the ceremony. According to Marca: “Sevilla are already in Navahermosa, represented by Sevilla ambassador Pablo Blanco and Giorgi Kochorashvili. Likewise, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, representing Atletico de Madrid, and Florentino Perez and Emilio Butragueno, representing Real Madrid, are among the football figures already in Navahermosa.”

David Aganzo, president of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE), attended alongside Camacho, Trego and other representatives of the players’ union.

Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzan and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente were also present to pay their respects.

Louzan said the priority was to support De Miguel’s family and called for unity within football.

“Thank you all. Today was about being here to support Jesus’ family,” he said. “We stand in solidarity with you because I believe this is an irreplaceable loss. This tragedy must show us the path that still needs to be corrected regarding the prevention of the media, so that they are always in the right place. It is an extremely difficult day. The football world must stand together today.”

De la Fuente echoed the federation president’s message, offering his condolences to the player’s family and loved ones.

“I support the president’s words,” he said. “With the greatest sadness and grief, we offer our deepest condolences and sincere respect. It is the best way to show the unity of football. My heartfelt condolences to all his loved ones.”

A delegation from Castellon, De Miguel’s former club, also travelled to the funeral. It was led by manager Pablo Hernandez.

Tenerife were represented by a delegation headed by Alvaro Cervera and Eric Gallego, as the club joined the player’s family, former colleagues and football officials in paying tribute to him.