Father of Liverpool Striker Luis Diaz Released by Guerrilla Group in Colombia

"Freedom for Papa": Father of Liverpool striker Luis Diaz was released on Thursday by members of a guerrilla group who kidnapped him in northern Colombia, ending a 12-day ordeal for the family.

In a major development, the father of Liverpool striker Luis Diaz was released on Thursday by members of a guerrilla group who kidnapped him in northern Colombia. The Colombian government announced the end of this 12-day ordeal that had drawn international attention and appeals for his release. Luis Manuel Diaz's kidnapping took place on October 28 in the small town of Barrancas.

Luis Diaz, after scoring for Liverpool in a Premier League soccer match, made an emotional plea for his father's freedom revealing a T-shirt saying "Freedom for Papa" in Spanish. This incident increased the international pressure on the kidnappers leading to widespread condemnation and calls for immediate release.

The Kidnapping and Release

The National Liberation Army, or ELN — which later called the kidnapping a mistake — was responsible for this act. The announcement about Mr.Diaz's release was made by the government delegation that is currently negotiating peace with this guerrilla group. A photo later released by Colombia’s Catholic Church showed Mr.Diaz wearing casual clothes post his release.

Family Reaction

A family member expressed relief at this development stating "These really have been quite agonizing days, with great uncertainty... But always with faith placed in God for the best outcome because our family does not deserve an attack of this magnitude." Initially it was unclear who carried out this abduction but last week Colombian Government confirmed ELN’s involvement.

Military Involvement

An ELN statement mentioned that military deployments in northern Colombia hampered their planned safe release operation. Responding to these concerns, Colombian military announced its decision to shift positions facilitating Mr.Diaz’s release.

Kidnapping Details & Rescue Efforts

Diaz parents were abducted from a gas station in Barrancas by armed men on motorcycles. However, Diaz’s mother was rescued within hours by police who set up roadblocks around the town. Post this incident, special forces were deployed to search for Diaz's father in a mountain range that straddles both countries and is covered by cloud forest.

Post Release Care

After his release, Mr.Diaz received primary medical care from representatives of the United Nations and the Catholic Church in the Serrania del Perija mountain range area. He was then airlifted to Valledupar, approximately 90 kilometers from his native town Barrancas located in northeastern part of Colombia.

Luis Diaz: The Football Star

Luis Diaz is one of Colombia's most talented footballers who joined Liverpool with a deal worth USD 67 million. Following news about his father’s release, he was included in the starting line-up for Liverpool's Europa League match against Toulouse on Thursday.

In conclusion, this event has highlighted not just the personal risks faced by international sports stars off-field but also their resilience and strength. The safe return of Luis Manuel Diaz brings relief not only to his family but also to millions of football fans worldwide who had been following this case closely.