The devastating news regarding Luis Diaz’s father greatly overshadowed Liverpool’s 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
This past weekend, the Colombian winger’s parents were abducted in Barrancas; his father is still missing, but his mother has been freed by the authorities.
Although Diaz was naturally absent from Liverpool’s weekend match, everyone at the club was thinking of him. After Diogo Jota scored the first goal, he held out a shirt with the number seven on the back. Support has since been overwhelming on social media.
Authorities in Colombia are still searching for Diaz’s father; there is a £40,000 prize for information leading to his recovery. But we still don’t know where he is right now.
In order to guarantee Diaz’s father’s quick return, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called in the army, who will collaborate with more than a hundred law enforcement personnel on the rescue effort.
Although there are worries that Diaz Sr. may have crossed into Venezuela, no one has yet claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Liverpool announced their unwavering support for Diaz in a statement on Sunday morning. The statement stated as follows: “The Liverpool Football Club can attest to its knowledge of a current circumstance concerning Luis Diaz’s family in Colombia.
“We sincerely hope that the situation is handled securely and as soon as feasible. The player’s well-being will remain our top focus in the interim.”
Support for Diaz has grown significantly since then. Colombia’s national football team posted a plea for the safe return of his father on social media, stating: “We ask the captors of Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Luis Diaz, to release him now, without conditions.
“Football is peace. Lucho, we are with you. Colombia is with you.”
Plenty of Diaz’s current and former teammates have taken to social media as well, including the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott and Fabinho.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also offered his support, saying on Instagram: “On behalf of FIFA and the world football community, I would like to convey our support to Luis Diaz, his family and his friends in these difficult times.”
Before their match against the USA, Colombia’s women’s squad also displayed a shirt bearing Diaz’s name and number.
Liverpool and all those associated with the club are sending their condolences to Diaz during these trying times for the 26-year-old.