“It Could Have Happened to Me”: Raphinha Shaken by Jesús de Miguel's Death
Barcelona had just thrashed Aston Villa in the Champions League, but Raphinha had little interest in celebrating. The Brazilian forward was deeply affected by the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel and admitted that the tragedy could have happened to any footballer, including himself.
For Barcelona, it had been a successful night on the pitch. For Raphinha, however, the result was far from his mind.
Speaking to Movistar after the Champions League victory over Aston Villa, the Brazilian explained how difficult it had been to take the field after learning about the death of Jesús de Miguel, the CD Tenerife striker who suffered a serious injury during Monday's match against FC Andorra.
“After seeing the news, I didn't feel well. At the end of the day, he was a fellow footballer. This could have happened to any of us. It could have happened to me.”
Those final words captured why the news had affected him so deeply.
Regardless of the clubs they represent or the competitions they play in, footballers share the same profession and face risks whenever they step onto the pitch.
For Raphinha, De Miguel's death was a painful reminder of that reality.
Raphinha Sends a Message to De Miguel's Family
The Brazilian also made it clear that he did not want the interview to revolve around Barcelona's performance.
Instead of discussing goals or the team's convincing victory, he chose to acknowledge the loss and offer his support to the striker's family.
“Wherever he is, I hope he finds his way. I want to send strength to his family... and I don't want to talk about football today.”
His comments came after a UEFA Champions League match, but the conversation had little to do with what happened on the field in Barcelona's victory.
Raphinha's thoughts were with De Miguel and those mourning his death.
What Happened to Jesús de Miguel During Tenerife vs FC Andorra?
De Miguel died in a Tenerife hospital hours after suffering a serious injury during Monday's match between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra.
The incident took place in stoppage time, following a dangerous challenge by Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international.
The tragedy left FC Andorra deeply affected.
On Wednesday, Owono issued a statement through his club, acknowledging the difficulty of coming to terms with what had happened.
“These have been the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened,” the goalkeeper said.
Owono, who was born in Bata, also expressed his condolences to the striker's family.
“I feel tremendous pain over Jesús's loss. I think about him, his family and everyone who loved him.”
Jesús Owono Says He Will Face What Comes Next With Respect
The goalkeeper acknowledged that there would be matters to address following the incident, but said his immediate thoughts remained with De Miguel.
“I know there will be many issues to address. I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. Right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesús and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesús.”
FC Andorra concluded its statement by calling for the utmost sensitivity and respect.
It was against this backdrop that Raphinha spoke after Barcelona's victory.
The Brazilian had just played in one of European football's biggest competitions, yet the death of a fellow professional had left him thinking about how quickly a player's life can change.
Three Statements That Show the Impact of the Tragedy
- “It could have happened to me”: Raphinha admitted that any footballer could have found themselves in a similar situation.
- “I don't want to talk about football today”: The Brazilian chose not to focus on Barcelona's emphatic victory over Aston Villa.
- “The hardest days of my life”: Jesús Owono also spoke publicly about the emotional impact of De Miguel's death.
