In a heartwarming turn of events, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz was reunited with his father, Manuel Diaz, after 17 days of being kidnapped in Colombia.
The emotional reunion took place at the Diaz family home in Barrancas, La Guajira, where Luis Diaz embraced his father tightly and wept tears of joy.
On October 29, Luis Manuel Diaz and his wife were kidnapped in Barrancas, Colombia.
Cilenis Marulanda was rescued within hours, but her husband was held hostage by the ELN (a Colombian guerrilla group) for nearly two weeks.
The reunion between Luis Diaz and his father was a deeply emotional moment for the entire family.
Luis Diaz, who had been deeply worried about his father’s safety, was overwhelmed with relief to see him safe and sound.
The pair were pictured hugging and crying as they met for the first time since Diaz Sr.’s release last Thursday.
Instead of returning home as soon as his safety was confirmed, Diaz remained available for games against Toulouse and Brentford before returning to Colombia to meet his family and play for Colombia.
In the coming days, Colombia are set to face Brazil and Paraguay in their quest for 2026 World Cup qualification.
The Liverpool winger is bound to receive a great reception and will spend much-needed time with his family.
Since being released, Diaz has spoken to his father, with the first communication coming shortly before the Reds’ match against Toulouse.
Diaz Sr. said: “I had the opportunity to greet him before he played a football match with his club.