RAPHINHA has acknowledged that he found it difficult to perform during Barcelona’s Champions League match against Aston Villa after hearing about the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel.

De Miguel tragically passed away on Tuesday, just a day after experiencing a cardiac arrest while playing in a Segunda Division fixture for CD Tenerife against FC Andorra.

The football world is collectively grieving the loss of De Miguel, leading to the postponement of mid-week league matches in Spain.

However, the match between Barcelona and Aston Villa proceeded, with a minute’s silence held at the Nou Camp to commemorate De Miguel, who suffered cardiac arrest after a severe collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono.

Raphinha delivered an impressive performance in the 3-0 win, contributing two goals. However, he expressed that De Miguel’s passing weighed heavily on him.

Following the match, he stated to CBS Sports: “Wherever [De Miguel] is, I hope he finds peace.

“I extend my thoughts and strength to his family … today, let’s not focus on football.

“After receiving the news, I felt very unsettled. In the end, he was a fellow footballer.

“This could have happened to any one of us. It could have happened to me.

“Under these circumstances, it’s extremely challenging to step onto the field.

“He was a player of the same age as me. Perhaps that’s why it struck me so hard.”

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick observed the profound effect De Miguel’s passing had on the Brazilian player.

He remarked: “What occurred in Tenerife seemed to impact him deeply, just as it did all of us.”

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, the club, and all his friends … it’s a significant tragedy.

“I believe it has affected him greatly.”

Authorities in Spain are examining the response of the emergency medical services that managed to revive an unconscious De Miguel during the incident. They are also considering whether Owono’s tackle may involve a charge of involuntary manslaughter.