FC Barcelona forward Raphinha had a brilliant day on the field but struggled through the morning after the news of the death of Tenerife's Jesus de Miguel.
De Miguel, affectionally called "DeMi" by teammates and friends, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, the day after a harsh collision with an outrushing goalkeeper led to the player experiencing cardiac arrest.
Speaking to the CBS Sports post-match show featuring ex-players like Thierry Henry and Micah Richards, the Barcelona star emphasized that it was not the day to talk about what happened between the lines, even as he helped Barcelona to a 3-0 UEFA Champions League win over Aston Villa with a double.
"Today I’m very sad. I don’t want to speak about football. I apologize to you because I’m joining you on the
show and honestly I love to be here but I’d like to send strength to Jesus’ family who today woke up to very sad news, the news of his passing. I’d like to say that wherever Jesus may be that he find his way," the forward said. "I think it’s a much more difficult moment right now for his family.
"I just want to send them strength and leave soccer a bit to the side. Today, I’m not going to speak about football."
Raphinha pays his respects to Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel who tragically passed away today. pic.twitter.com/ULwFEYR5V8
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 3, 2026
While few top players in Spain had played against De Miguel, Raphinha said he felt a strong since of solidarity with the late player's friends and family, partly because De Miguel was 30 when he passed, the same age as Raphinha and partly because of the bonds of being a professional player.
"For me, honestly, it was very difficult. I spoke with my wife today when I woke up and saw the news. Of course, I didn’t feel good. I felt bad. He’s a fellow professional and this could happen to anyone - to me, any player who was playing on the field today," he said. "He was a player who was the same age as me. I don’t know if that is why it affected me more, but I didn’t have a good day today because of that news. Personally, it really affected me."
FC Barcelona announced shortly after the news was published that it would conduct a moment silence before the match, which eventually expanded to time being taken before each UEFA Champions League contest.
De Miguel's body is being transferred to Madrid per his family's wishes with his Tenerife teammates attending services there before a celebration of his life Saturday, Nov. 7 at the club's home stadium.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Barcelona star dedicates interview to late Tenerife player after Champions League win
