Luis Diaz's father was reportedly rescued from kidnapping in Colombia following a shooting that left his two captors dead.
Diaz's parents were taken away by armed men on motorbikes on Saturday as they left their home in Barrancas. His mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued after the Colombian attorney general's office assembled an investigation team to search for the couple.
The footballer's father, Luis Manuel Díaz, was later rescued on Sunday morning after a deadly shootout between kidnappers and Colombian police. The Mirror reported that local media in the La Guajira region claimed that Diaz's father was freed after a police rescue mission, which resulted in the deaths of two of the four kidnappers.
The incident is said to have occurred in an area called Los Barrancones, near the Colombia-Venezuela border. It is believed the kidnappers intended to smuggle Diaz's father into the neighboring country.
There is still no official confirmation that Diaz's father was rescued by local authorities. Diaz himself has yet to comment, but Liverpool have released a club statement confirming the club's support for the winger.
“Liverpool Football Club can confirm that it is aware of the current situation regarding Luis Diaz's family in Colombia,” the statement read. “We sincerely hope that this matter will be resolved safely and as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, player welfare will continue to be our top priority.” A man described as Luis Manuel Díaz's best friend told a Colombian radio station that the player's parents were kidnapped while they were filling up their car at a gas station. "It was 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday," said Victor Medina.
"They filled up with gas and then went to a nearby neighborhood to pick up something from someone close to Celinis. The kidnappers arrived." , four men riding motorbikes.
Luis Diaz with mom and Dad
"They threatened these people with weapons, put them in the same car and drove away with two other people following on motorbikes. They headed towards a rural area. The authorities were informed and there was a Chase."
When asked if there was a gunfight between the kidnappers and the authorities before Cilenis was rescued, Medina added: “I haven't had a chance to talk to him. "It was a difficult situation. She returned home with the doctors because we knew she arrived very distressed after what had been traumatic for her.
We're just waiting for things to calm down a bit before talking to him.” He added: "Luis Manuel Díaz is a man who is very loved in Barrancas and has never spoken of threats.
He and his family are very appreciated in this city and that is why he He always feels calm and safe here. security."