SOCCER
Luis Diaz father released: helicopter collects him from La Guajira
The kidnapping of Luis Manuel Díaz was carried out by the ELN guerrilla in Colombia. Both of the Liverpool forward’s parents have now been freed.
Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Colombian striker Luis Díaz, has been released after being held hostage for 13 days.
He was taken hostage on Saturday, 28 October, along with his wife Cilenis Marulanda, in the municipality of Barrancas. She was rescued by the authorities a few hours after the event, but Diaz’ father was not found.
After nearly weeks in captivity Diaz’s father was finally released on Thursday, 9 November near the La Guajira region. Local media report that Diaz’s father was taken by helicopter to the City of Valledupar, Colombia after the kidnappers agreed to let him go.
How was Luis Diaz’ father rescued?
The ELN guerrilla group had been under growing pressure to release Diaz’ father. Last week they had promised to free their hostage, but an ongoing stand-off between the group and the Colombian government had complicated matters.
On Sunday a statement from the ELN guerrilla warned: “The area remains militarized, [the government] carry out flights, disembarkation of troops, broadcasts, offering rewards and an intense search operation... This situation does not allow the execution of the release plan quickly and safely.”
However on Thursday reports emerged that a deal had been struck with the kidnappers to allow government forces to collect Luis Manuel Diaz and bring him back safely.
Footage shared on social media later that day showed that the effort had been a success, with Diaz’ father seen walking from the rescue helicopter after being released. Initial observations suggested that he is in good health after nearly a fortnight as a hostage.
Luis Díaz to be reunited with father
Luis Díaz gained global attention again last weekend with his goal against Luton Town. The Liverpool forward celebrated by revealing a t-shirt with the phrase ‘Libertad para papa’ or ‘Freedom for dad’.
The Colombian player went on to post a statement on social media calling for the release of his father and all those kidnapped in Colombia. It read: “I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible.”
While waiting for his father’s return, the footballer had travelled with Liverpool to France to face Toulouse in the Europa League.
“Training is a safe place, he wants to be with us and he is here,” said Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp this week.