LUIS Manuel Díaz, the father of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, has been released by his captors.
He was released today after spending the last 12 days in the custody of a guerilla group who kidnapped him in his native Colombia.
Police in Colombia confirmed that Mr Diaz has been by the guerrillas, according to reports in Colombia.
Diaz was kidnapped with his wife penultimate Saturday but she was quickly rescued while he was not so lucky.
However, today, he was handed back over to his family, with reports in Colombia saying Mr Diaz was handed over to the United Nations humanitarian commission, the church and medical personnel in the Serrania del Perija region.
The football association of Colombia confirmed the release of Mr Diaz today in an official 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 Luís Manuel Díaz, father of our player Luís Díaz, possible,” the statement reads.
“Football as a sporting discipline symbolizes talent, dedication, teamwork and the intrinsic values of human beings. In Colombia it must continue to be a benchmark for entertainment, healthy competition, unity and joy.
“Therefore, we insist on the need to maintain this activity, as well as those who are involved in it, in the sporting and administrative part and their families, outside of any scenario other than sports.
“Behind a ball, the dreams and illusions of boys and girls, young people, women, men and adult soccer players, their loved ones and an entire country roll.
“Football is passion in peace. Let no one ever think of attacking that reality again.”
The Colombian president Gustavo Petro added: “long live freedom and peace”.
Colombia forward Luis Diaz did not play for Liverpool that weekend but he returned to action on Sunday and scored a late equaliser as the Reds held Luton Town to a 1-1 draw.
After his goal, an emotional Diaz displayed a message on his undershirt which read ‘freedom for Papa’.
The 26-year-old is also in the Liverpool squad for tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Toulouse in France.
PHOTO: Luis Manuel Diaz (middle) after his release by kidnappers today.
