Luis Diaz’s father was kidnapped in Colombia final month; particular forces had been looking out a mountain vary that straddles the nation’s border with Venezuela; police had provided a £39,000 ($48,000) reward for data

The father of Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has been launched by kidnappers, the Colombian Football Federation has confirmed.

Luís Manuel Díaz had spent 13 days in captivity after being snatched by the guerrilla group National Liberation Army, also called the ELN, at a petroleum station in Colombia close to the border with Venezuela.

Luis Diaz’s mom was additionally kidnapped within the incident however she was rescued inside hours after police arrange roadblocks.

The Liverpool ahead and Colombia worldwide scored an emotional late equaliser at Luton on Sunday earlier than revealing a message beneath his shirt which learn ‘Libertad Para Papa’ (Freedom for Dad).

Diaz had returned to Colombia forward of Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest the earlier week and missed the Carabao Cup victory at Bournemouth, earlier than informing Jurgen Klopp he wish to be thought-about out there for the journey to Luton. At that time there was a sign negotiations between officers and the novel left-wing rebels had been constructive.

Diaz is beginning for Liverpool of their Europa League sport in Toulouse, which kicks off at 5.45pm on Thursday.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp instructed TNT Sports earlier than the sport: “It looks like Luis [Diaz] is really happy, thumbs up all of the time so it looks very good but I’m not the one to release anything.

“Timing clever it could not have been higher.”

Asked if Diaz is in a great headspace, Klopp replied: “Yes, you ask him, he needs to [play], so good and he’ll.”

What happened to Diaz’s parents?

Luis Manuel Diaz and his wife Cilenis Marulanda were snatched by armed men on motorbikes at a petrol station in the town of Barrancas, in La Guajira, near the border with Venezuela, on Saturday October 28.

She was rescued within hours after police set up roadblocks – but the whereabouts of her husband was unknown.

Otty Patino, who was leading the peace talks, said at the time: “We demand that the ELN releases instantly Mr Luis Manuel Diaz and we are saying as of now that they’re totally accountable to safe his life and integrity.”

The following Tuesday, the winger begged his father’s captors to release him – as his mother, uncle and other relatives took part in a vigil.

He posted an Instagram story with particulars of the occasion and the caption: “Bring your candle to light the light of hope – free him now!”

Special forces have been deployed to seek for Mr Diaz, with air and land patrols trawling a mountain range that straddles both Colombia and Venezuela – as Colombia’s police director vowed to make use of each agent to search out him.

Officials mentioned they might not rule out the chance that he has been smuggled over the border – that means he could be out of attain of Colombian police. A reward price $48,000 (£39,000) had been provided for data that helps police find Mr Diaz.

However, on Thursday November 9 he was handed again over to his household. Reports say he was handed over to the UN humanitarian fee, the church and medical personnel within the Serrania del Perija area.

Statement: Colombia FA confirms the discharge of Luis Diaz’s father

“The Colombian Football Federation thanks the National Government, the Military Forces and the National Police, as well as all the institutions and officials that made the release of Luís Manuel Díaz, father of our player Luís Díaz, possible,” learn an announcement launched on Thursday.

“Football as a sporting discipline symbolizes talent, dedication, teamwork and the intrinsic values ​​of human beings. In Colombia it must continue to be a benchmark for entertainment, healthy competition, unity and joy.

“Therefore, we insist on the necessity to preserve this exercise, in addition to those that are concerned in it, within the sporting and administrative half and their households, outdoors of any situation apart from sports activities.

“Behind a ball, the dreams and illusions of boys and girls, young people, women, men and adult soccer players, their loved ones and an entire country roll.

“Football is ardour in peace. Let nobody ever consider attacking that actuality once more.”

The Colombian president Gustavo Petro added: “lengthy reside freedom and peace”.