Luis Diaz’s father has been released after being kidnapped by the National Liberation Army (ELN, by its Spanish acronym) in Colombia.
ELN is an armed insurgency group that has operated within the country since 1964 and the Colombian government said they were the ones responsible for the kidnapping of Diaz’s parents, Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda.
Otty Patino, the Colombian government’s chief peace negotiator with the ELN, said that the kidnapping of Diaz’s parents had been “perpetuated by a faction of the ELN.”
Diaz’s mother had been rescued as efforts were made to find his father, amid fears he could have been taken across the Colombian border to Venezuela. He has, however, now been set free.
Liverpool said in a statement that they “are delighted by the news of Luis Diaz’s father’s safe return and we thank all those involved in securing his release.”
A statement from the Colombian Football Federation read: “The Colombian Football Federation thanks the National Government, the Military Forces and the National Police, as well as all the institutions and functionaries that made possible the liberation of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of our player Luis Diaz.
“Football as a sporting discipline symbolises talent, dedication, teamwork and the intrinsic values of human beings. In Colombia it must continue being a reference of entertainment, healthy competition, union and joy.
“Therefore we insist on the necessity of maintaining that activity, as well as those who are involved in it, in the sporting part, administrative part and their families, away from any scenario different to the sporting one.
“Behind a ball are the dreams and hopes of boys and girls, young people, women, men and adult footballers, their loved ones and a whole country.
“Football is passion in peace. Let no one ever think of attacking that reality again!”
Jurgen Klopp told TNT Sports: “Lucho is really happy, thumbs up all the time, so it looks very, very good. Timing wise it couldn’t have been better. We asked him and he wants to (play), so good.”
The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, posted on social media, saying: “Long live freedom and peace.”
Earlier this month, the ELN demanded “security guarantees” from the Colombian government before they released Diaz’s father.
A statement from the ELN, signed by commander Jose Manuel Martinez Quiroz, read: “On November 2, we informed the country of the decision to release Luis Manuel Diaz. From that date, we began the process to accomplish this as soon as possible. We are making efforts to avoid incidents with government forces.
“The area is still militarised. They are carrying out flyovers, disembarking troops, broadcasting and offering rewards as part of an intense search operation. This situation is not allowing for the execution of the release plan quickly and safely, where Luis Manuel Diaz is not at risk.
“If operations continue in the area, they will delay the release and increase the risks. We understand the anguish of the Diaz Marulanda family, to whom we say that we will keep our word to release him unilaterally, as soon as we have security guarantees for the development of the liberation operation.”
Diaz revealed a message after scoring on Sunday (Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
After scoring against Luton Town, Diaz lifted his shirt to reveal a message that read ‘Libertad Para Papa’ (Freedom For Dad).
The former Porto man then released a statement which read: “Today, it is not the footballer speaking to you, today Lucho Diaz, the son of Luis Manuel Diaz, is speaking to you. Mane, my dad, is a tireless worker, the pillar of the family and he has been kidnapped.
“I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father, and I ask international organisations to intervene for his freedom. Every second, every minute our anguish grows; My mother, my brothers and I are desperate, distressed and unable to find the words to describe what we are feeling. This suffering will only end when we get him back home.
“I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible. In the name of love and compassion, we ask that you reconsider your actions and allow us to get him back.
“I thank Colombians and the international community for their support, thank you for so many demonstrations of affection and solidarity in this very difficult time that many families in my country are experiencing.”
Liverpool are next in action against Toulouse in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
GO DEEPER
The kidnapping of Luis Diaz’s parents that left Liverpool ‘fighting for Lucho’
(Photo: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.
