Luis Diaz STARTS for Liverpool in Europa League clash just hours after dad is dramatically freed from kidnap hell
LUIS DIAZ starts for Liverpool against Toulouse this evening just hours after his dad was dramatically freed.
Diaz’s father has finally been released 12 days after being kidnapped by ELN guerrillas in Colombia.
The Liverpool star remained in training during the ordeal, and came on as a late substitute against Luton last weekend.
After he scored a last-gasp equaliser for the Reds, Diaz revealed a message on his undershirt, reading: “Libertad Para Papa” – meaning “Freedom for my father”.
Luis Manuel Díaz Jimenez, 58, was finally freed after it was agreed a commission from the United Nations and the Catholic Church would liaise with the ELN.
He was seen earlier today getting out of a chopper in the border area between La Guajira and Cesar.
Diaz’s dad waved before getting into a car to be transported to hospital for a checkup.
He was initially taken hostage at gunpoint alongside his wife on October 28 in Barrancas.
Diaz’s mother was saved by cops but his dad was dragged away following a pursuit.
The kidnapping caused outrage in Colombia, where Diaz is a popular figure.
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It is believed to have been planned by by a female guerrilla fighter called Patricia – who has spent more than half her life trying to overthrow the Colombian government.
While this was happening, Diaz missed Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on October 29.
He was then an unused substitute against Toulouse at Anfield last week, before making a late cameo against Luton.
Tonight will mark his first start since the ordeal began.
After his goal at Kenilworth Road, Diaz wrote on Instagram last weekend: “This is not Luis Diaz the player speaking.
“Today it is the son of Luis Manuel Diaz speaking.
“Mane, my dad, is a hard-working family man, the pillar of our family and he’s been kidnapped.
“I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father, and I ask international organisations to work together for his freedom
“Every second, every minute, our anguish grows.
“My mother, my brothers and I are desperate, distressed and without 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.
“In the name of love and compassion, we ask you to reconsider your actions and allow us to have him back.
“I thank Colombians and the international community for the support received, thank you for so many demonstrations of affection and solidarity in this difficult time that many families in my country find themselves experiencing.”
Following news of Diaz’s rescue, Liverpool wrote in a statement: “We are delighted by the news of Luis Diaz’s father’s safe return and we thank all those involved in securing his release.”
The Reds will qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League with a win over Toulouse this evening.
Liverpool defeated the Ligue 1 side 5-1 at Anfield last week, courtesy of goals by Diogo Jota, Wataru Endo, Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah.