After nearly two weeks as a hostage, the father of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, Luis Manuel Diaz, has been safely reunited with his family.
The ordeal began on Saturday, October 28, when Luis Manuel Diaz and his wife, Clienis Marulanda, were kidnapped while traveling home in Barrancas, La Guajira. Marulanda was rescued but a search to locate Manuel Diaz was still ongoing.
He was handed over to United Nations and Catholic church officials by members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) on Thursday.
Local media reported that Diaz’s father was en route to Valledupar by military helicopter for a medical examination before reuniting with his family.
Authorities stated that he is in good health and shows no signs of mistreatment.
El Tiempo newspaper captured tearful scenes in the neighbourhood where the couple lived, as family members drove through the streets in celebration, many donning Liverpool team shirts with the number 23 and Luis Díaz’s name.
Diaz missed two Liverpool games due to the situation with his parents. Although he was anticipated to start against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, he had to leave the team hotel after club officials learned about the situation unfolding in his homeland.
Nevertheless, he made a triumphant return at Luton Town last weekend, with the Colombia international scoring a crucial goal to secure a point for Jurgen Klopp’s side in their 1-1 draw.
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