Luis Diaz has been photographed with his father for the first time since enduring a harrowing kidnapping incident.
On October 28, Luis Manuel Diaz and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, were abducted at gunpoint by rebels from the ELN guerrilla group.
While Marulanda was quickly released, Luis Diaz’s father remained captive, prompting an extensive search by Colombian security forces.
Negotiations between the Colombian government and the ELN were initiated to secure his release, which was successfully accomplished last Thursday.
Currently in Colombia for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay, as well as a friendly match with Mexico, Luis Diaz seized the opportunity to visit his father after his rescue.
Emotional images released by the Colombian Football Federation depict Diaz warmly embracing his father, surrounded by other family members.
Luis Manuel was freed last week, and the rebels handed him over to a UN committee, which transported him out of the jungle where he had been held.
The Colombian Football Federation expressed gratitude in a statement, acknowledging the National Government, Military Forces, National Police, and various institutions for their efforts in facilitating Luis Manuel Diaz’s release.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Luis Manuel spoke out about the challenges he faced during his captivity with the rebel group.
He emphasized that he wouldn’t wish such horrors on anyone else and described the difficulty of his situation, including strenuous horseback riding, challenging terrains, persistent rain, and numerous insects.
Recounting almost 12 days without peaceful sleep, he expressed confusion about the reasons behind his kidnapping.
Despite assurances from the guerrillas that he had no issues with anyone and encouraging him to remain calm, Luis Manuel shared his relief at being back with his family.
He recounted the opportunity to greet his son before a club game, noting the joy and contentment he felt being reunited with his loved ones.
Luis Díaz
Luis Fernando Díaz Marulanda
This season he played in total 11 times for 643 minutes for Premier League.
Luis Díaz scored 3 goals for Liverpool. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Premier League. In the last match Liverpool won 3-0 against Brentford. The next match in Premier League will be against Manchester City.
Liverpool performance and stats
Liverpool is currently 2nd in the Premier League with 27 points.
In the last 12 games, it has won 8 times, drawn 3 times, and lost once. In its last match, Liverpool won 3-0 against Brentford.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 27 goals and conceding 10.
Liverpool will play the next match in Premier League against Manchester City on Saturday 25th of November in Manchester.