A week after the kidnapping of his father by members of a guerrilla, the Colombian insisted on playing against Luton Town on Sunday and was decisive in the final minutes.
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This is one of the notable scenes of this football weekend. Entering at the end of the match with Liverpool against Luton Town, Luis Diaz got his team out of trouble at the promoted side in the Premier League, equalizing in the 95th minute on Sunday November 5. A goal as important on a sporting level as for its symbolism, for the one who celebrated by unveiling a t-shirt bearing the message “Freedom for Dad” (“Freedom for Dad” in Spanish).
His father, Luis Manuel, has been kidnapped since October 28 in the north of Colombia by the rebels of the ELN (National Liberation Army). His mother was also kidnapped, before being released a few hours later. On Friday, the guerrillas, through the ELN commander, Antonio Garcia, recognized that “Lthe retention of Luis Diaz’s father […] was a mistake.” His group is also in peace negotiations with the Colombian government.
“Positive” signs for an upcoming release
It is in this context that the Colombian international (43 caps, 9 goals) made his return to competition. The former Porto winger was absent from the Reds squad for the previous two matches. “When he’s with the others he’s fine, but you can see he doesn’t sleep much.”confided his coach Jürgen Klopp on Friday.
According to the army, more than 250 soldiers are searching “by air and land” the footballer’s father in the neighboring region of Serrania del Perija, where AFP journalists observed roadblocks. “All the signs he is receiving, from what I understand, are very positiveKlopp said on Sky. Negotiations are ongoing and positive, which is why he wanted to be part of the team.”