THE family of Jesus de Miguel have released a heartbreaking statement following his tragic death as hundreds of mourners attended his funeral in Toledo.

Spanish footballer De Miguel, 30, passed away on Tuesday morning after suffering a heavy blow during a LaLiga 2 match between Andorra and Tenerife.

Hundreds of mourners, including family and friends, team-mates and other people from Spanish football were in attendance for the funeral, lining the streets to follow the hearse through narrow streets.

Rafael Louzan, president of the Spanish football federation, World Cup-winning Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin were among them.

Real legends Jose Antonio Camacho, Emilio Butragueno and Pedrag Mijatovic were also in attendance.

Addressing media at the funeral, Louzan said: “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.”

De la Fuente added: “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.”

The ceremony took place in Navahermosa, Toledo, a village about two hours south-west of Madrid, with Tenerife team-mates among the coffin bearers.

A public viewing was also set up outside the funeral home for mourners who could not get in.

The striker collided with goalkeeper Jesus Owono and collapsed on the pitch in added time.

He was then rushed to hospital, but his condition worsened overnight and he tragically died in the morning.

A spokesperson had earlier shared a statement on behalf of his family.

Manuel Hernandez said: “Jesus leaves a void impossible to fill, but also an immense memory in all of us who have been lucky enough to share our lives with him.”

It continued: “Thank you to everyone who has remembered him, to his team-mates, friends, fans and all the clubs who have wanted to convey their condolences and accompany us in this painful moment.

“Feeling such love for Jesus and witnessing the impact he has had on so many people is something we will always carry with us.”

A post-mortem has found that De Miguel died from “accidental chest trauma” following the on-pitch incident.

His girlfriend, Maria, was at the match with their one-year-old daughter when the tragedy unfolded.

She was later joined at the hospital by the forward’s parents.

Heartbroken fans gathered at a vigil for the Spaniard on Tuesday night.

Andorra goalkeeper Owono spoke for the first time since the incident on Wednesday.

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.”