Barcelona captain Raphinha has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, dedicating his side’s 3-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday to the late footballer’s family.
Raphinha, who scored twice in the encounter, said he was too emotionally affected by the news of De Miguel’s death to discuss football after the match.
According to Fabrizio Romano, who shared the Brazilian’s comments on X, Raphinha said the Barcelona victory was dedicated to De Miguel’s family and expressed sympathy over the tragic incident.
The Brazilian described the news as shocking and painful, adding that the incident was a reminder that similar situations could happen to any professional footballer.
He also extended condolences on behalf of himself and Barcelona, wishing the deceased player’s family strength during the difficult period.
De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision during Tenerife’s Segunda División encounter against FC Andorra on Monday evening.
The incident happened during stoppage time with the score tied at 2-2. Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono had rushed out of his penalty area to clear a long ball when his knee struck De Miguel in the chest.
Owono was subsequently sent off, while the match was abandoned.
De Miguel received emergency medical attention on the pitch and was resuscitated before being taken to hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. His condition, however, later deteriorated.
Raphinha, who was named Man of the Match following his impressive performance at the Spotify Camp Nou, said the incident had affected him from the moment he received the news that morning.
His celebrations after scoring were notably restrained as he continued to reflect on the death of his fellow professional.
Before Barcelona’s Champions League fixture, players and officials observed a minute of silence in honour of De Miguel, while the competition’s anthem was not played.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also expressed his condolences, acknowledging that the news had deeply affected members of the squad.
Source: Punch
