Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s father released after kidnapping in Colombia
Both parents of Luis Diaz were kidnapped on 28 October, with his mother released shortly afterwards.
Luis Manuel Díaz, the father of Liverpool star Luis Diaz, has been released after being kidnapped in Colombia last month.
Reports in Colombia have confirmed that Diaz has been released by the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) and can return to his family.
Both parents of Luis Diaz were kidnapped on 28 October, with his mother Cilenis Marulanda released shortly afterwards, but his father remaining hostage until today (9 November).
Luis Manuel Diaz has been handed over to a UN humanitarian commission, representatives from the Catholic church and medical officials near the town of Barrancas.
In response to the news, Colombian president Gustavo Petro posted on social media: ‘Long live Freedom and Peace.’
A statement from the Colombia 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 officials that made the release of Luís Manuel Díaz, father of our player Luís Díaz, possible.
‘Football as a sporting discipline symbolizes talent, dedication, teamwork and the intrinsic values of human beings. In Colombia it must continue to be a benchmark for entertainment, healthy competition, unity and joy.
‘Therefore, we insist on the need to maintain this activity, as well as those who are involved in it, in the sporting and administrative part and their families, outside of any scenario other than sports.
‘Behind a ball, the dreams and illusions of boys and girls, young people, women, men and adult soccer players, their loved ones and an entire country roll.
‘Football is passion in peace. Let no one ever think of attacking that reality again!’
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