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Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez was amongst the mourners at Jesus de Miguel's funeral(Image: AFP or licensors)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez paid his respects to the late Spanish striker Jesus de Miguel, who died after a mid-football match collision.
De Miguel passed away on Tuesday, one day after a collision with Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who struck the Tenerife forward in the chest as he ran out to clear the football. The striker died the following morning in hospital from "accidental chest trauma" a preliminary autopsy report has stated.
On Thursday, his funeral took place in his hometown of Toledo, where hundreds of mourners lined the streets to pay their respect. It was also attended by Rafael Louzan, president of the Spanish football federation, World Cup-winning Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and Perez.
The Spanish football figureheads all paid tribute to the striker, who died at the age of 30 years old. As well as the La Liga bosses, Real legends Jose Antonio Camacho, Emilio Butragueno and Pedrag Mijatovic were also amongst the mourners.
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Louzan spoke to the media at the funeral, saying: "Thank you to everyone here. Today was the day to be here, supporting Jesus’ family. Our solidarity is with you because I believe this is an irreparable loss.
"This tragedy should show us the path that still needs to be corrected regarding media prevention, so that they are always in the right place. It is a very difficult day. Football must stand united today.”
Jesus de Miguel died following an on-pitch collision(Image: Andres Gutierrez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Jesus de Miguel's funeral took place in his hometown(Image: AFP or licensors)
De La Fuente also said: "I echo the president’s words. With deep sorrow and emotion, we convey our condolences and respect. It is the best way to demonstrate that football is united. A very warm embrace to all his loved ones.”
Many tributes around Europe have been paid to De Miguel, with this week's Champions League matches beginning with a moment of silence for the striker. Owono, the Equatorial Guinea international who was sent off for the collision against Miguel, also conveyed his sorrow in a recent statement.
The funeral took place on Thursday in Navahermosa, in Toledo province, Spain(Image: Getty Images)
De Miguel's team-mates carried his coffin into the church(Image: AFP or licensors)
He said: "These are being the most difficult days of my life. I am struggling to find the words, and it is very hard for me to process anything that has happened.
"I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I am thinking of him, his family, and all the people who loved him. I know there will be many matters to address, and I will face whatever comes with complete respect.
"But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything other than Jesus and the grief we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
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