Luis Diaz’s father was kidnapped at the end of October by Colombian rebels and survived 12 days in the jungle before being released, with the Liverpool star now being reunited with him
Luis Diaz has been pictured with his father for the first time since his horrific kidnapping ordeal.
Luis Manuel Diaz and his wife Cilenis Marulanda were abducted at gunpoint by rebels from the ELN guerrilla group on 28 October. Marulanda was quickly freed, but Diaz’s father continued to be held, with a painstaking search ensuing by Colombian security forces.
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The Colombian government also entered into negotiations with the ELN to bring about his release, which was finally achieved last Thursday. His son is now in Colombia for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay, as well as the friendly with Mexico.
And the Liverpool star has taken the opportunity to visit his dad for the first time since he was rescued. Pictures released by the Colombian Football Federation show Diaz emotionally embracing his father alongside other members of his family.
Luis Manuel was released last week, with the rebels transferring him into the hands of a UN committee that helicoptered him out of the jungle where he was being held. The Colombian Football Federation confirmed the news in a statement.
“The Colombian Football Federation thanks the National Government, the Military Forces and the National Police, as well as all the institutions and officials that made the release of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of our player Luis Diaz, possible,” it read.
Luis Diaz has been reunited with his father ( Image: TWITTER)
Luis Manuel has since spoken out about his ordeal being held by the rebel group. He admitted that he would not want anyone else to experience the horrors he had while being a prisoner.
“There was no offer of resources, there was no need, everything was done legally, thank god, they did not request any resources, but that did not happen. I would not want anyone to be in that mountain in the situation I was in,” he said.
“It was a lot of horseback riding, really hard, a lot of mountains, a lot of rain, too many insects. I couldn’t sleep peacefully, it was very difficult, almost 12 days without sleep. I still have not been able to understand what was the cause of my kidnapping.
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“[The guerrillas] said that I have no problems with anyone. They told me to be calm, that nothing was going to happen to me, knowing that I was a humble and loved person in my town for the work I do.
“I had the opportunity to say hello to him [his son] before he played a game for his club. [And he was] content, happy, because I was already with my family.”
