On Sunday, Liverpool player Luis Díaz gave his message on the field and off it, after securing the Reds’ 1-1 draw with Luton Town.
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Upon his return to the team following his father’s kidnapping, the Colombian striker spoke out for the first time about the incident. In a statement, he reiterated his call for Mane Díaz’s freedom.
“Today it is not the football player who speaks, today the speaker is Lucho Díaz, son of Luís Manuel Díaz. Mane, my father, is a tireless worker, our pillar in the family and he is kidnapped. I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father, and I ask international bodies to intercede for his freedom”, wrote the player.
“Every second, every minute our anguish grows; my mother, my brothers and I are desperate, anguished and have no words to describe what we are feeling. This suffering will only end when we have him back home,” said Díaz.
It is worth remembering that Manuel Díaz was kidnapped on the 28th, in the department of La Guajira, Northern Colombia
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During the week, the Colombian government reported that the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas were responsible for the kidnapping. Luis Díaz made his appeal for himself and for all families who suffer from similar acts.
“I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible. In the name of love and compassion, we ask you to reconsider your actions and allow us to recover you,” said the Colombian.
Luis Díaz missed two of Liverpool’s games, but returned to training at the end of the week and started on the bench against Luton Town. He came on in the second half and scored the equalizer in 1-1 away from home. After the match, Jürgen Klopp supported the player.
“In fact, after the game, no words were necessary. We just hugged. We know how he is – OK, but desperately waiting for the right news. That’s all”, said the coach.
With the result, Liverpool reached 24 points and is third in the Premier League. The team returns to the field next Thursday, against Toulouse, in the Europa League.