Raphinha said he was shaken by the death of Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel after scoring twice in Barcelona’s Champions League win over Aston Villa on Tuesday. The Brazilian appeared subdued during the match and celebrations, and later explained that the news had affected him throughout the day.
De Miguel, a 30-year-old Tenerife forward, died on Tuesday, a day after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision in a match against Andorra in Spain’s second division. The incident occurred during a challenge in which the opposing goalkeeper struck him in the chest with a knee.
Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil, Raphinha sent his condolences to De Miguel’s family and described the death as shocking. He said the player was around his age and that, as a fellow professional, he felt the tragedy could happen to anyone.
Raphinha also said he had spoken with his wife about the unsettling feeling he had experienced that day. He urged people to appreciate their families and friends while they are alive, rather than waiting for a tragedy to express how much they care.
Barcelona are next scheduled to face Atlético Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, after which Raphinha will join Brazil for the year’s final international break.
Sources: CNN Brasil.