Valencia’s Luis Rioja offers support to Andorra goalkeeper after Tenerife tragedy

Luis Rioja has expressed his support for Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono after the incident that led to the death of Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel.

The Valencia winger said the priority was to stand by De Miguel’s family, friends, club and everyone affected by the tragedy, while also highlighting the difficult position faced by his former teammate.

“The most important thing now is to support the family and friends of the deceased, his club and everyone affected by this tragedy,” Rioja told Mundo Deportivo on Thursday.

“We want to send them all our encouragement and support. All the matches will certainly be dedicated to him and to his great sporting spirit.”

Rioja added that football was intended to be enjoyed but could also bring moments of profound sadness.

“We know football exists to be enjoyed, but it also has tragic moments that we never want to experience,” he said. “The best tribute we can pay him is to dedicate these matches to him.”

The matches involving the two clubs are Granada v Tenerife in the Segunda Division on 07 November 2026 and Andorra v Mallorca in the Segunda Division on 08 November 2026.

Rioja’s tone changed when he discussed Owono’s state of mind. The two players were teammates at Deportivo Alaves and know each other well from their time together in Vitoria.

“Owono is a very kind person. He is a genuinely good man, and he is going through an extremely difficult time,” said Rioja, defending the goalkeeper.

The Valencia player said Owono would need urgent psychological support and could become another person deeply affected by the tragedy.

“He will need psychological support. He will be the first person to feel sadness and pain because of this tragedy,” Rioja said.

“We send him all our support and encouragement. The most important thing is the support network around him and trying to help him psychologically.”

Rioja also described the shock felt across Spanish football, saying he could not imagine what Owono was experiencing.

“We have all been shocked,” he said. “Even when there is an accidental collision and you injure a teammate, you feel terrible. I cannot even imagine what he is going through now.”