A representative of the rebel group that kidnapped Luis Diaz’s father in Colombia has stated that they will release him ‘as soon as possible.’ Luis Manuel Diaz and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, were abducted by armed men on motorbikes in Barrancas, La Guajira, on October 28. Marulanda was freed shortly afterward, but the search for her husband continues. The Colombian government identified the kidnappers as left-wing rebels of the National Liberation Army (ELN), with peace talks ongoing.
A military search is ongoing, and a £39,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his return. Liverpool star Luis Diaz has also called for the safe release of his father in a social media post. Diaz was set to play for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest but withdrew from the squad.