Over 120 soldiers, supported by police forces, are conducting an extensive search in northern Colombia for Luis Manuel Diaz, the father of Liverpool winger, Luis Diaz, who was kidnapped along with his wife. While Cilenis Marulanda, the footballer's mother, has been successfully rescued, the whereabouts of Luis Manuel Diaz remain unknown.
The Colombian army has established roadblocks and deployed various resources, including motorized platoons, unmanned aircraft, helicopters, and radar-equipped planes, in their efforts to locate Diaz's father. Although Colombian authorities have not disclosed specific details about the incident, reports suggest that armed assailants on motorcycles abducted the couple from a gas station in their hometown of Barrancas in the northern La Guajira department.
President Gustavo Petro confirmed Marulanda's rescue in Barrancas on the same day of the abduction. Colombia, a country in the process of recovery from decades of civil conflict, has witnessed over 38,000 kidnappings, primarily for ransom, over the years.
Petro emphasized that all available public forces have been mobilized to find Diaz's father. Luis Manuel Diaz played a pivotal role as an amateur coach at Barrancas' sole football school, where his son, known as "Lucho," demonstrated remarkable talent from an early age.
Diaz, a 26-year-old Wayuu Indigenous individual, has not publicly commented on the kidnapping of his parents. In a show of support, his Liverpool teammate, Portugal's Diogo Jota, dedicated his goal in a Premier League match against Nottingham Forest to Diaz, who did not participate in the game.
Jota, in a touching gesture, approached manager Jurgen Klopp, who handed him Diaz's shirt. Jota then raised it in acknowledgment of the Liverpool fans' applause. Colombian police have offered a reward of approximately $48,000 for any information leading to Diaz's whereabouts and the identification of his captors.
Liverpool FC released a statement acknowledging the ongoing situation involving Luis Diaz's family in Colombia. They expressed their hope for a swift and safe resolution, emphasizing the player's well-being as their immediate concern. Manager Klopp described the situation as deeply concerning for the entire team, noting the necessity for a last-minute change due to the private matter involving Luis Diaz.
Diaz holds the distinction of being the first Indigenous Colombian to ascend to the highest levels of global football. With 43 appearances for his nation, he joined Liverpool from Portuguese club Porto last year, tallying three goals in 11 games for the team.
