Colombian and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has made a heartfelt plea for the release of his father, who was abducted last month.
Following his late equalizer against Luton on Sunday, Diaz lifted his shirt to reveal the words in Spanish, “freedom for papa.”
After the match, Diaz took to Instagram to release a statement, urgently appealing for his father’s safe return.
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“Every passing second, every minute, our anguish deepens. My mother, my brothers, and I are in a state of despair, overwhelmed and at a loss for words to express our emotions,” he expressed on Instagram. “This agony will only cease when we have him back home. I implore you to resolve this situation promptly, upholding your integrity and bringing an end to this agonizing wait as soon as possible. In the name of love and compassion, we earnestly request that you reconsider your actions and allow us to reunite with him.”
In the message, Diaz also thanked the Colombian and the international community for their support: “I thank Colombians and the international community for the support received, thank you for so many demonstrations of affection and solidarity in this difficult time that many families in my country find themselves living.”
Diaz’s parents were taken hostage on October 28 by leftwing guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) in their hometown of Barrancas. The Liverpool forward’s mother has been found but his father remains missing.
On Thursday, the government of Colombia said that the kidnapping had been carried out by the ELN. The rebel ground subsequently issued a statement announcing that Díaz’s father will be released in the next few days.