Liverpool winger Luis Diaz’s father freed after ELN kidnapping

Luis Manuel Diaz, the father of Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz, was reportedly released by the ELN in Colombia. Diaz and his wife Cilenis Marulanda were abducted on October 28 in Barrancas in La Guajira province. While Marulanda was released shortly after, Diaz’s whereabouts were unknown, prompting widespread calls for his release. On Thursday, Manuel Diaz was handed over to United Nations and Catholic church officials by the ELN. Local media reported that Diaz Sr. traveled by military helicopter to Valledupar and was reportedly in good health. The news was met with relief by the football community, especially Diaz, who has been visibly disturbed in recent weeks. Colombian president Gustavo Petro and the Colombian Football Federation have released statements thanking everyone involved in the release of the senior Diaz.

How has Luis Diaz fared for Liverpool this season?

Liverpool striker Luis Diaz has been a key player for manager Jurgen Klopp this season. The 26-year-old has contributed four goals and an assist in 12 games across competitions, starting nine times. In his last outing, Diaz came off the bench and scored the Reds’ equalizer in a 1-1 Premier League draw at Luton Town. Three of his four goals this season have come in the league, while the other was scored in the UEFA Europa League, where he also has an assist in two games. Liverpool is set to play their fourth Europa League game at Toulouse, where a win will confirm their place in the knockouts, having won the first three games.