Luis Diaz has spoken of his deepening anguish and pleaded with his father’s kidnappers to sanction his release.
The Liverpool forward made his first appearance since his parents were abducted at gunpoint – his mother has since been released – and scored a late equaliser to secure a point at Luton Town.
While celebrating his goal, Diaz showed a shirt that read the message ‘libertad para papa’ which translates to ‘freedom for Papa.’
The statement read: “Today it is not the footballer speaking to you, today Lucho Diaz, the son of Luis Manuel Diaz, is speaking to you. Mane, my dad, is a tireless worker, the pillar of the family and he has been kidnapped.
“I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father, and I ask international organizations to intervene for his freedom. Every second, every minute our anguish grows; My mother, my brothers and I are desperate, distressed and unable to find the words to describe what we are feeling. This suffering will only end when we get him back home.
“I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible. In the name of love and compassion, we ask that you reconsider your actions and allow us to get him back.
“I thank Colombians and the international community for their support, thank you for so many demonstrations of affection and solidarity in this very difficult time that many families in my country are experiencing.”
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