Luis Diaz's Father Released By Captors
The father of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has been released by his captors almost two weeks after he was kidnapped.
Luis Manuel was captured alongside Diaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda, by leftwing guerrillas of the National Liberation Army in their hometown of Barrancas, Colombia on October 28.
While Diaz's mother was freed the same day, his dad remained with his captors until today.
'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 Díaz, possible,' a statement from the Colombia FA 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.'
The statement continued: '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!'
Alfonso Diaz, Diaz's uncle, said: "It has truly been an anxious few days, with very great anxiety. I always had faith in God that this had to happen in the best way. Our family does not deserve an outrage of such magnitude."
