Luis Diaz Issues Plea for the Safe Return of His Father, Kidnapped

Luis Diaz has made a public appeal to the ELN - Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, or National Liberation Army - to release his kidnapped father.

Diaz's parents were both recently taken hostage by armed gunmen in Colombia. His mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was fortunately rescued last weekend.

However, the whereabouts of Diaz's father remains unknown. Colombian officials confirmed on Friday that they have intelligence indicating the ELN - a rebel group with a left-wing agenda that has been active in the country since 1964 - is responsible for the abduction.

The ELN's representative, Juan Carlos Cuellar, stated in a community meeting reported by Reuters that Diaz's father would be liberated 'as soon as possible'.

After returning to the football field for Liverpool and scoring a goal (which he dedicated to his father with a message on his undershirt that read 'Freedom for Papa'), Diaz has issued a statement beseeching the ELN to set his father free:

'This is not the player speaking. This is Lucho Diaz, son of Luis Manuel Diaz. My dad, Mane, a hardworking person and the backbone of our family…is now a kidnap victim.

'I implore the ELN to release my father at the earliest. I also urge international organizations to aid in ensuring his freedom.

'With each passing second and minute, our concern heightens. We're at a loss for words to express our family's distress, which will persist until he's back home.

'I plead for my father's immediate release, with his wellbeing respected.

'I express my gratitude to all Colombians and the international community for their support.'

Returning to Liverpool, Diaz made a significant contribution by scoring a crucial goal in the 95th minute, equalizing the match. He headed a cross from Harvey Elliott into the goal, salvaging a point from a challenging outing for the Reds at Kenilworth Road.