On November 10, the armed rebel group National Liberation Army (ELN) in Colombia released Luis Manuel Diaz, father of striker Luis Diaz.
Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz waves after being released by ELN on November 10 – Photo: REUTERS
On October 28, Luis Diaz ‘s father and mother were kidnapped by a group of armed međťš— at a gas station in La Guajira. After just a few hours, Colombian police successfully rescued Ms. Cilenis Marulanda. However, Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz was still missing many days later.
Colombian authorities have launched large-scale searches. Police even offered a reward of up to 48,000 USÔ€ (more than 1.1 billiĐľn VNÔ€) for anyone who could provide information about Luis Diaz’s father. The striker also took to social networks to call on strangers to release his father.Around the beginning of November, Colombian authorities determined that the National Liberation Army (ELN) group was behind the incident.
At the same time, this organization announced that it would soon release Mr. Manuel Diaz. However, this release arrangement also takes about a week.
Images from local television showed Luis Manuel Diaz appearing at an airport in the Colombian city of Valledupar on November 10.
In the announcement, the delegation participating in the negotiations to release Mr. Diaz welcomed ELN’s decision. However, they also emphasized that the kidnapping “should not have been allowed to happen”.
Luis Diaz sent a message asking ELN to release his father after scoring against Luton Town – Photo: REUTERS
President of the Colombian Football Federation Gustavo Petro also thanked the government, military and units involved in negotiations with ELN.
In the announcement, Mr. Petro also said: “Behind the ball, the dream and imagination of every male or female football player are the people they love and an entire country. Football always plays.” out in peace. Don’t let anyone destrĐľy that.”
The release of Luis Diaz’s father took place just about an hour before the player had a match with Liverpool in the Europa League on the morning of November 10. Before that, he had to miss some matches because he was busy taking care of his father.
The Colombian striker only returned to play on November 6 but immediately shined with a goal that helped Liverpool retain 1 point against Luton Town in the Premier League.