Liverpool’s acquisition from Porto in 2022, Luis Diaz, is at a personal crossroad as Liverpool’s helm Jurgen Klopp delegates the decision of his match availability to Diaz himself, amidst his father’s abduction ordeal in Colombia.
Manager Klopp relayed that Diaz, 26, made a return to the practice grounds on Wednesday, with the team gearing up for the upcoming Sunday match against Luton.
The kidnapping incident involved Diaz’s parents, who were taken at gunpoint last Saturday. While Diaz’s mother was located in Barrancas, his father’s whereabouts remain unknown.
“His well-being is our priority, and we’ll stand by his decision,” Klopp stated.
“We’re here to support, not to pressure. The next steps are for him to choose,” he further mentioned.
Diaz appears to be coping when surrounded by his teammates, yet it’s evident the situation is taking a toll on him. “His attendance at training is a positive sign, though the strain is noticeable,” Klopp observed.
The abduction has been attributed to the leftist guerrilla faction, the National Liberation Army (ELN), prompting extensive search operations by military and police forces.
Sources claim that the ELN has voiced intentions to release Diaz’s father soon.
During his absence, Diaz’s teammates showcased solidarity; Diogo Jota notably held Diaz’s number seven jersey aloft after scoring in the victory against Nottingham Forest.
Diaz was not present in Liverpool’s subsequent fixtures, including the EFL Cup triumph over Bournemouth.
Klopp, who relies on updates about the situation, expressed optimism: “We’re clinging to every sliver of hope for a positive development.”
The ELN, established in 1964, stands as the primary guerrilla group still active in Colombia, boasting an estimated 2,500 combatants.
In a distressing turn, the kidnappers left Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, in a vehicle following the abduction in Barrancas, a town in Colombia’s La Guajira province.
In response to this crisis, Colombian authorities have put up a reward for information leading to Mr. Diaz’s location, with over a hundred troops and police scouring the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Luis Diaz Kidnapping
What is the current situation with Luis Diaz’s father?
Luis Diaz’s father was kidnapped in Colombia, and while his mother has been found, his father remains missing. The ELN guerrilla group is purportedly behind the abduction, with a promise to release him soon. Extensive searches by the military and police are ongoing.
How has Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp responded to Luis Diaz’s family crisis?
Jurgen Klopp has given Luis Diaz the choice to decide his availability for upcoming matches, emphasizing the player’s well-being over football commitments. Klopp stated that Diaz is back in training but also noted the visible impact of the crisis on him.
Did Luis Diaz play in the recent matches after his father’s kidnapping?
No, Luis Diaz was absent from Liverpool’s matches against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth following his father’s kidnapping. His teammate Diogo Jota displayed Diaz’s number seven shirt during the Nottingham Forest game as a gesture of support.
What actions are being taken in Colombia regarding the kidnapping of Diaz’s father?
Colombian police have offered a reward for information on Diaz’s father, and more than 120 soldiers and police officers are involved in the search. The kidnappers, identified as the ELN, have indicated that they will release him in the coming days.
How can fans keep up with the latest news about Liverpool and Luis Diaz?
Fans can follow Liverpool news updates, activate notifications, listen to The Red Kop podcast, and ensure they never miss any content by staying tuned to all the latest information on Liverpool and Luis Diaz’s situation.
More about Luis Diaz Kidnapping
- Liverpool Official News
- Premier League Press Releases
- The Red Kop Podcast Episodes
- Colombia Reports on ELN Activities
- Player Well-being in Professional Sports Articles
- Merseyside Police Updates
6 comments
it’s heartbreaking hope they find Mr Diaz soon and the family can have some peace…sending love their way
seriously ELN still causing chaos out there? can’t imagine what luis is goin through right now, YNWA mate
man this is tough on Diaz, hope the club gives him all the time he needs footballs just a game at the end of the day family is everything
jotas gesture was class shows the spirit in the squad no one walks alone in this team
read somewhere the government’s offering a hefty sum for info? gotta wonder if that helps or puts his dad in more danger
spelling error in the last paragraph, its beat not beet like the vegetable lol get it right guys