Reports on Saturday stated the Liverpool star’s parents were kidnapped in Colombia.
Liverpool stated they are prioritising Diaz’s welfare Liverpool stated they are prioritising Diaz’s welfareCredit: AFP “It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”
Outlets in Colombia have reported the pair were kidnapped near their home in the town of Barrancas in Colombia’s Caribbean region. There have been conflicting stories regarding whether his father has been rescued, but it has been confirmed his mother has been returned to safety.
Colombia president Gustavo Petro said: “In an operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz’s mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father.”
A man described as the best friend of Diaz’s father told a radio station in Colombia: “It was 5:30pm local time on Saturday. They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis. There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes. “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area. The authorities were informed and there was a chase.
“It’s a difficult situation. She’s back at home with doctors because we know she arrived quite distressed after what has been a trauma for her. We’re just waiting for everything to calm down a bit before we speak with her.”
Liverpool have released a statement confirming they are ‘aware of an ongoing situation with’ Luis Diaz’s parents.
The club’s statement read: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia.
