Jesus de Miguel’s family said “the mark he has left on so many people” was something they would always remember as the footballer’s funeral took place on Thursday.
The Tenerife forward, who was 30, died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second division match on Monday.
After colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, De Miguel lay motionless on the pitch while being treated by medical staff and was taken to hospital, where he died at 07:00 GMT on Tuesday.
Owono was sent off for the challenge and the game was abandoned.
De Miguel’s funeral was held in his parents’ hometown of Navahermosa, Toledo, about 125km from the Spanish capital Madrid.
His Tenerife team-mates carried his casket before the service at San Miguel Arcangel.
Current Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was among the mourners, along with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and former Real and Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho.
De Miguel’s agent, Manuel Hernandez, issued a statement on behalf of the family, which read: “Thank you for loving him, for remembering him and for being with us.
“We cannot find enough words to thank you for every message, every phone call and every gesture of affection we are receiving.
“Feeling such affection for Jesus and seeing the mark he has left on so many people is something we will always carry with us.
“Jesus leaves a void that is impossible to fill, but also cherished memories for all of us who were fortunate enough to share our lives with him.”
