Published on 10.11.2023
The Colombian Football Federation has confirmed that Luis Diaz’s father, Luís Manuel Díaz, has been released by kidnappers.
Díaz spent 13 days in captivity after being taken by the guerrilla group National Liberation Army (ELN) near the Colombia-Venezuela border.
While Luis Diaz’s mother was also kidnapped, she was swiftly rescued by the police. The Liverpool forward scored an emotional late equalizer against Luton, revealing a message under his shirt reading ‘Libertad Para Papa’ (Freedom for Dad).
The moment that Luis Diaz’s father was reunited with his family & friends ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sJ0qkrU7K7
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) November 9, 2023
Returning to Colombia before Liverpool’s win over Nottingham Forest, Luis Diaz missed the Carabao Cup victory at Bournemouth. However, he expressed his availability for the Luton trip, indicating positive negotiations between officials and the radical left-wing rebels. Lucho’s uncle, Alfonso Diaz, expressed relief, saying, “Our family does not deserve an outrage of such magnitude.”
"He's in a great headspace!"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 9, 2023
Jurgen Klopp talks Luis Diaz, Europa League and concentrating on their own performance ❤️
🎙️ @DannyJamieson | #UEL pic.twitter.com/UJiwQFtbit
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, commenting on Luis Diaz’s emotional state, stated, “It looks like Lucho is really happy, (giving) thumbs up all the time. It looks very, very good. Timing-wise it couldn’t have been better.” Subsequently, Luis Diaz was called up to the Colombia squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay.
