Diaz implores group to release father after scoring on Liverpool return

Colombian international Luis Diaz pleads for the release of his father, who was kidnapped by a guerrilla group on October 28, after scoring a crucial goal for Liverpool during his comeback on Friday.

Last week, Diaz’s mother was rescued shortly after being captured, but his father Luis Manuel Diaz is still missing.

Following his last-minute equaliser that saved Liverpool from a surprising defeat against Luton in a 1-1 draw on Sunday, Diaz expressed his plea for “freedom for Dad” on a t-shirt.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Diaz said, “I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father, and I ask international organisations to intercede for his freedom.”

The head of Colombia’s ELN guerrilla group admitted on Saturday that they had made a “mistake” in taking Diaz’s parents. The kidnapping took place in Barrancas, their hometown near the Venezuelan border.

“Our anguish grows every second, every minute,” added Diaz. “My mother, my brothers, and I are desperate, distressed, and at a loss for words to describe what we are feeling. This suffering will only end when we have him back home.

“I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible.”

Diaz made a significant impact as an 83rd-minute substitute in his first appearance for Liverpool since the kidnapping.

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