Spain coach attends funeral of De Miguel: 'Incredibly difficult'

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente attended the funeral of Tenerife CD player Jesús de Miguel, who died after a collision with an Andorra goalkeeper.

Jesús de Miguel, a player for Tenerife CD in Spain's second tier, died following a collision with FC Andorra's goalkeeper during a match. The incident sent shockwaves through Spanish football. De la Fuente attended De Miguel's funeral this week and spoke about the experience at a press conference following the announcement of Spain's squad for upcoming Nations League matches.

"A broken family is left behind with the pain," de la Fuente said. "You realise we often attach importance to things that aren't important at all. De Miguel's funeral was an incredibly difficult day. The pain lingers especially. It's a terrible time for the football world. We must never forget those who are no longer with us."

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) cancelled midweek professional matches and will observe a minute's silence at all weekend fixtures in De Miguel's honour. When asked if the RFEF should have cancelled the entire weekend programme, de la Fuente said he respected all opinions but believed the federation had observed an appropriate three-day mourning period. He added that as a footballer, he would want to be honoured on the pitch rather than through cancellations, noting that grief is personal and everyone processes it differently.