Luis Diaz: Liverpool striker's father released after kidnapping in Colombia

The father of Liverpool's Luis Diaz has been freed after being kidnapped, the Colombian Football Federation has confirmed.

The 26-year-old's father, Luis Manuel, was taken at gunpoint by left-wing rebels on Sunday, October 29. His mother was also abducted but was freed within hours.

Diaz senior was handed over to 'humanitarian organisations' on Thursday afternoon, according to Colombian outlet Semana.

The reports came as his son has been named in Liverpool's starting line-up to play Toulouse in their UEFA Europa League clash in France.

Last Friday, local news outlets had claimed that the process of securing the release of Diaz's father was underway with hopes that he could have been released over the weekend.

But concerns started to mount after he was not freed, with the forward scoring during the Reds' 1-1 draw against Luton and unveiling a message on his shirt that read 'Freedom for Papa'.

The news of Manuel Diaz's release was confirmed by the Colombian Football Federation, who issued a statement saying: "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 Diaz, possible," a statement read.

"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 United Nations had also been involved in the negotiation process for Diaz's release, with the Liverpool forward's father being released in the village of El Salado, south of La Guajira.

He was reportedly given first aid treatment on the mountains where he was recovered and where according to Semana, it seemed he was in good health.

Colombian television also captured the moment he was seen disembarking a helicopter following his release, walking alongside several officials who escorted him away.

Liverpool have subsequently released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) ahead of Thursday's game, stating: "We are delighted by the news of Luis Diaz's father's safe return and we thank all those involved in securing his release."

Speaking ahead of the match, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said to TNT Sports: "I'm not the one for the news to be honest. It looks like Lucho [Diaz] is really happy, thumbs up all the time, it looks good. Very, very good. But obviously I'm not the one to release anything. So obviously timings wise yeah it couldn't have been better.

"If it's today, now, then that's great."We asked him [whether he wants to start]. He wants too. It's good. And he will."

Speaking on the Diaz's inclusion in the starting XI, Klopp was asked whether Diaz was in a good headspace.

"Yes," the Liverpool boss responded.

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