Liverpool FC is currently embroiled in a distressing situation involving Luis Díaz’s parents, following reports of his parents being kidnapped in Colombia. While there is a glimmer of hope with the rescue of his mother, the whereabouts of his father remain unknown, casting a shadow over the club’s preparations.
Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda were intercepted by abductors while en route to their residence in the Los Olivos neighborhood, situated in the hometown of Liverpool player Luis Díaz, Barrancas.
Due to these heart-wrenching developments, Luis Díaz was conspicuously absent from Liverpool’s squad for their highly anticipated match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. In a press statement, Liverpool’s manager, Jürgen Klopp, expressed the gravity of the situation, saying, “We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Díaz. It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before, it’s a new experience I never needed.”
Liverpool FC released an official statement earlier acknowledging their awareness of the ongoing crisis involving Luis Díaz’s family in Colombia. The statement also conveyed the club’s fervent hope for a safe and swift resolution, emphasizing that the player’s well-being remains their paramount concern.
Rescue of Luis Díaz’s parents
Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, provided a glimmer of hope by confirming the successful rescue of Luis Díaz’s mother in an operation in Barrancas. However, the search for his father continues, keeping the nation on edge.
In response, Colombia’s football federation issued a statement expressing its regret over the kidnapping incident and urged authorities to expedite efforts to locate and rescue Díaz’s father. “The Colombian Football Federation rejects the security situation that the parents of our player Luis Díaz are going through. From the FCF we express our solidarity with him and his entire family and we call for the relevant authorities to act as quickly as possible to resolve the situation,” the statement read.
Diogo Jota dedicated his goal to Luis Díaz after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia
During the Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest match, Diogo Jota scored a goal and promptly raised the shirt of Luis Díaz, demonstrating their unity in support of their Colombian teammate.
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Liverpool made a significant investment in Luis Díaz when they signed him from Porto in January 2022, with the deal potentially reaching €60 million (£49.9 million) when considering add-ons. The 26-year-old winger has been an integral part of the team this season, with 11 appearances and three goals to his name.
Díaz had initially been expected to make a return to the squad for Liverpool’s Europa League match against Toulouse but remained sidelined. The unfolding family crisis has since left his participation in question, casting a somber cloud over Anfield.
