Luis Díaz's Father Breaks Silence Following Son's Kidnapping

Luis Manuel Díaz, the father of Liverpool striker Luis Diaz, has spoken out about his traumatic experience after being freed by a Colombian guerrilla group. After being held hostage for several days, Mr Díaz described the physical and mental toll he endured, including being forced to walk excessively with minimal sleep in mountainous terrain. He tearfully expressed his gratitude for his release and urged that no one should have to go through what he experienced. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with his kidnapping, according to Colombian police. Initially, it was believed that a criminal gang was responsible, but it was later confirmed to be the work of a unit belonging to the ELN, Colombia's primary active guerrilla group. The ELN has been engaged in a decades-long conflict with the Colombian government and is most active in the border region near Venezuela, where Luis Manuel Díaz and his family reside. Throughout his father's captivity, Luis Diaz publicly appealed for his release and even dedicated a goal in a recent match to his father's freedom. The kidnapping drew significant attention in Colombia, with local residents holding a candle-lit march demanding Mr Díaz's safe return. These events take place against the backdrop of ongoing peace negotiations between President Gustavo Petro's government and the ELN, which have faced criticism from opposition figures who argue that peace cannot be achieved amid kidnappings.