Finally, Luis Diaz's father was released
Finally, Luis Diaz's father was released after being kidnapped for 13 days. The father of the Colombian-born Liverpool forward has reportedly been freed by "left-wing rebels".
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| Luis Manuel Díaz after being freed by National Liberation Army guerrillas on Thursday. (Photo: Esteban Vanegas/United Nations Mission in Colombia) |
So said police sources and local media, as quoted by the BBC, Thursday (9/11/2023).
Luis Manuel Diaz was kidnapped on October 28, 2023
Luis Manuel Diaz, Luis Diaz's father, was handed over to UN and Catholic Church officials by members of the ELN rebels. He was kidnapped on October 28, 2023, in his family's hometown of Barrancas.
Luis Diaz's mother was also arrested, and then released within hours.
Local media said Manuel Diaz had traveled by military helicopter to the town of Valledupar. He will undergo a medical examination before being returned to his family.
Also, read: Luis Diaz sends message to kidnapped father.
It also said he was in good health, with no signs of abuse.
According to El Tiempo newspaper, there was a tearful moment in the couple's neighborhood. Family members climbed into their cars for a drive in the streets to celebrate.
Most of them wore Liverpool jerseys numbered 23 and Luis Diaz's name.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp told TNT Sports that Luis Diaz was very happy.
"We are delighted with the news of Luis Díaz's father's safe return and we thank all parties involved in securing his release," the club said via social media X.
Luis Alfonso Diaz, the footballer's father's cousin, told Radio Caracol it was "emotional" to learn he had been released "after days of grief".
"We feel great satisfaction, we're glad it's over," he said.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacted on X: "Long live Freedom and Peace."
The Colombian Football Federation issued a statement thanking all those responsible for Luis Manuel Díaz's release, including the government, military, and police.
"Football is a passion in peace. No one should think about attacking that reality again," he continued.