Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has said he feels “enormous pain” and is living through “the most difficult days of my life” following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.

De Miguel died in hospital on Tuesday following an accidental collision with Owono in stoppage time of the Spanish second division match between the teams on Monday.

Owono was sent off following the incident, which came as he came out of his box to clear the ball. The goalkeeper struck De Miguel in the chest at force, with the 30-year-old forward then suffering a cardiac arrest.

“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, said in a statement released by his club Andorra on Wednesday. “I’m struggling to find the words and finding it very difficult to process anything that has happened.

“I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I can’t think of anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

Tenerife announced six days of mourning following the death of De Miguel while tributes have flooded in from across the world of football. A minute’s silence was held before each of Tuesday night’s Champions League fixtures and will take place before all other Uefa fixtures this week.

Police on Tuesday confirmed they have opened a “routine” investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, but criminal proceedings are unlikely. Under Spanish law, any death that is deemed non-natural automatically triggers a judicial inquiry.

Owono deleted his Instagram account on Tuesday while Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz defended his team-mate.

“Those of us who know him know the type of person he is, how much he is suffering in these moments and that he would never intend to hurt anyone,” he said. “In football, unfortunate incidents happen, but no-one could imagine that one of these could end in such tragic circumstances.”

Fans gathered at Tenerife’s Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium to lay tributes to De Miguel. A memorial service will be held at the ground on Saturday evening for the striker, with supporters invited to attend.

Barcelona’s Raphinha, who scored twice during their Champions League win over Aston Villa, paid tribute to De Miguel on Tuesday night, telling CBS Sports: “Today I don't want to talk about football, I want to send a message to the family of Jesus - may he rest in peace. From the club, I want to send a message of strength to the family.”