Liverpool have released a statement after Luis Diaz’s parents were kidnapped by gunmen in Colombia. The winger’s mother has been rescued but his father remains missing, with the terrifying ordeal likely to see Jurgen Klopp leave Diaz out of the squad to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
Colombian president Gustavo Petro has confirmed on social media that police successfully rescued Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, in the city of Barrancas. Senior political figures in the country are now going all out to find the 26-year-old’s father.
Army resources have also been deployed, with the pair reportedly stopped by gunmen on motorbikes while driving to their home. Liverpool have released an official club statement to address the matter.
“Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia,” it read. “It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”
Don’t miss… Man City set Phillips ‘transfer price’ as Newcastle eye star to replace Tonali
The Reds’ statement comes after the Colombian FA (FCF) released one of their own, which began: “The Colombian Football Federation rejects the security situation that the parents of our player Luis Diaz are going through.
“From the FCF, we express our solidarity with him and his entire family, and we call for the relevant authorities to act as quickly as possible to resolve the situation.”
- Advert-free experience without interruptions.
- Rocket-fast speedy loading pages.
- Exclusive & Unlimited access to all our content.
Read more…
The two strikers Man Utd signed instead of Erling Haaland and where they are now[FEATURE]
Erik ten Hag ‘trying to absolve himself of blame’ as Man Utd stars sent message[ANALYSIS]
Man Utd debts soar to £800m in worry for Sir Jim Ratcliffe ahead of Glazers deal[LATEST]
Although there has been no confirmation from Anfield, it seems unlikely that Klopp will call on Diaz for Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest, which kicks off at 14:00 (BST) on Sunday afternoon.
Diaz has only been left out of the starting XI in one league game up to this point in the season, and he came on as a substitute in the other. The forward has three goals in all competitions, most recently scoring in the Europa League win over LASK in September.
“He’s a natural player,” said Klopp earlier this year. “I love him, absolutely love him. It’s unbelievable. He’s so football smart, moving in the right areas, naturally defending from his position, goal threat, speed, cheeky. Very, very special player, I have to say.”
Born in Barrancas, Diaz played professionally in his homeland until the age of 22. Two-and-a-half seasons at Porto then prompted Liverpool to sanction a lucrative £37.5million deal in January last year.
Source: Read Full Article
