FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has been given time to decide whether he wants to return to football following the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel.
Owono, 25, was sent off after colliding with De Miguel during a Spanish second-division match on 2 November. De Miguel died in hospital the following day.
Andorra manager Carles Manso said the Equatorial Guinea international is spending time with his family and has the club’s full support as he considers his future. Manso added that Owono would not be pressured to decide whether or when to return.
“What we have to do is support him in every way and be close to him,” Manso said, according to BBC Sport on Thursday. “We will give him space so that he feels completely free to make any decision, whether he wants to return, when, or if he does not want to return.”
In a statement released by Andorra on 4 November, Owono described the period as “the most difficult days of my life”. He also expressed his sorrow over De Miguel’s death: “I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesús. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
De Miguel’s family have thanked those who contributed to a crowdfunding campaign set up to support them. Organised by Hércules forward Fran Sol, the campaign has raised more than £170,000, with all proceeds going to the family.
In a statement released through the Spanish Footballers’ Association on Thursday, the family said: “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the expressions of affection and support we have received. We have been deeply moved to see so many of you rally behind this initiative.”
Andorra are scheduled to return to action against Almería in the Spanish second division on Saturday. It will be the club’s first match since De Miguel’s death.
