Luis Diaz’s father was released after being kidnapped by the National Liberation Army (ELN, its Spanish acronym) in Colombia.
ELN is an armed insurgent group that has been operating in the country since 1964. The Colombian government said they were 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 was “perpetuated by a faction of the ELN.”
Diaz’s mother had been rescued while trying to find his father amid fears he would be taken across the Colombian border into Venezuela. However, he has since been released.
Liverpool said in a statement that they are “delighted by the news of the safe return of Luis Diaz’s father and we thank everyone involved in his release.”
A statement from the Colombian Football Federation said: “The Colombian Football Federation thanks the national government, the armed forces and the national police, as well as all the institutions and officials who made possible the release of Luis Manuel Diaz, the father of our player Luis Diaz.
“Football as a sporting discipline symbolizes talent, commitment, teamwork and the inner values of people. In Colombia it must continue to be a benchmark for entertainment, healthy competition, cohesion and joy.
“That is why we insist on the need to keep this activity, as well as those involved in it, in the sports part, in the administrative part and their families, away from any scenario different from the sports one.”
“Behind a ball stand the dreams and hopes of boys and girls, young people, women, men and adult footballers, their loved ones and an entire country.
“Football is passion in peace. No one should ever think of attacking this reality again!”
Jürgen Klopp told TNT Sports: “Lucho is really happy, he’s keeping his fingers crossed all the time, so it’s looking very, very good.” Timing-wise it couldn’t have been better. We asked him and he wants to (play) so well.”
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro wrote on social media: “Long live freedom and peace.”
Earlier this month, the ELN demanded “security guarantees” from the Colombian government before releasing Diaz’s father.
An ELN statement signed by commander Jose Manuel Martinez Quiroz said: “On November 2, we informed the country of the decision to release Luis Manuel Diaz. From that date we began the process to achieve this as quickly as possible. We strive to avoid incidents with government forces.
“The area is still militarized. As part of an intensive search operation, they conduct overflights, land troops, send messages and offer rewards. This situation does not allow the rapid and safe implementation of the dismissal plan since Luis Manuel Diaz is not at risk.
“If operations continue in the region, the release will be delayed and the risks will increase.” We understand the grief of the Diaz Marulanda family, to whom we say that we will keep our word to unilaterally release him as soon as we have security guarantees for the development of the liberation operation.”
Diaz revealed a message after his goal on Sunday (Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
After scoring against Luton Town, Diaz lifted his shirt and revealed a message that read: “Libertad Para Papa” (Freedom for Papa).
The former Porto player then released a statement saying: “Today it is not the footballer who speaks to you, today Lucho Diaz, the son of Luis Manuel Diaz, speaks to you.” Mane, my father, is a tireless worker, the pillar of the family and was kidnapped.
“I ask the ELN for the immediate release of my father and I ask international organizations to intervene for his freedom. Every second, every minute our fear grows; My mother, brothers and I are desperate, desperate and can’t find the words to describe what we feel. This suffering will only end when we bring him home.
“I ask you to release him immediately, respect his integrity and end 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 the Colombians and the international community for their support, thank you for so many signs of affection and solidarity during this very difficult time that many families in my country are going through.”
Liverpool next face Toulouse in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
GO DEEPER
The kidnapping of Luis Diaz’s parents, who left Liverpool “in the fight for Lucho”.
(Photo: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)