Luis Diaz's kidnapped dad still missing with mum found as Jurgen Klopp issues update

Liverpool star Luis Diaz's family have gone through an arduous ordeal with his father still missing despite reports on Sunday morning claiming others

Posted Monday, October 30, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Luis Diaz's kidnapped dad still missing with mum found as Jurgen Klopp issues update
Luis Diaz's parents were both kidnapped in Colombia

Luis Diaz's father has not yet been rescued from kidnappers, despite reports to the contrary earlier on Sunday morning.

Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda were both kidnapped on October 29 in Barrancas, La Guajira, Colombia. The Liverpool star's mother was confirmed to be free after a police and army blockade managed to find the kidnappers.

The search had continued to find Diaz Sr, who was not with Marulanda when she was freed. Reports initially suggested Diaz's father had also been rescued in a gun battle, but it has now emerged that police in Colombia remain active in the return of the footballer's father.

Luis Diaz's kidnapped dad still missing with mum found as Jurgen Klopp issues update
Diaz was expected to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this afternoon

The couple were believed to be taken when the unidentified armed motorcyclists managed to track down the truck both were inside, before intercepting and boarding it, moments before they were taken away.

When a police blockade helped find Marulanda, Director of police General William Salamanca said: "We are pleased that you are free again, madam," he said. "I congratulate them [the authorities] for the reaction of all the police officers dedicated to the cause."

Diaz has made nine appearances this season

A man who described himself as the best friend of Diaz senior told a Colombian radio station: ""It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday. They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis. There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.

"They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area. The authorities were informed and there was a chase."

Diaz has 43 international caps for Colombia

Jurgen Klopp spoke ahead of Liverpool's clash against Nottingham Forest, saying: "We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz. 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."

When the news first broke out, Liverpool released a statement in the early hours of the morning that read: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia.

"It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player's welfare will continue to be our immediate priority."

It remains unclear whether Diaz will feature for Liverpool when they take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.