Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has had to endure a horrid weekend due to events which have transpired in his home nation of Colombia. The 26-year-old’s parents were kidnapped in Barrancas and his father remains unfound. His mother was rescued by local police forces as the search for his father continues. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has been one of the many outlets reporting on the developing news.
Luis Diaz’s Parents Kidnapped in Colombia
🚨🇨🇴 Luis Díaz, not in Liverpool squad today as he continues to deal with his family’s situation in Colombia where his parents were kidnapped in Barrancas.
His mother has been rescued by the police. No updates yet on his father. pic.twitter.com/7lGnoHZ1bE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 29, 2023
Mother Returned Unharmed but Father Still At-Large
The Athletic covered the sombre mood in the Liverpool dressing room after their weekend match against Nottingham Forest. Jurgen Klopp’s side secured an emphatic 3-o victory but Diaz’s teammates celebrated little. The squad “knew that their triumph on the field paled into insignificance” when it came to what the Colombian was going through.
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Diaz was not present for the match as he stayed in Crosby in hopes that news of his father would reach him. The article described the kidnappers as “gunmen on motorbikes.” His mother was rescued and remained unharmed from the incident. Luis Manuel, the father, is still missing as the effort to find him has garnered resources from the international community.
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It is a uniquely horrible situation that no one is prepared to handle. Klopp described the pre-match preparation as “the most difficult I ever had in my life,” Club members were sent with Diaz to his home where he has remained with close friends for the time being. In his stead, Diogo Jota was picked to play on Liverpool’s frontline against the Tricky Trees.
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“It’s unimaginable to think a situation like this could happen.” the Portuguese attacker stated. After scoring a 31st-minute goal, Jota ran to the Liverpool bench and displayed Diaz’s jersey which produced cheering from fans of both clubs. The Colombian’s absence deprives Liverpool of one of their “superstars,” but the true concern lies in rescuing his father safely.
