It was the news everyone connected to Liverpool had been hoping to hear - Luis Diaz's Father has been safely released!

Since word of the kidnapping broke nearly two weeks ago, hundreds of Police and Soldiers have been scouring the Colombian countryside, looking for signs of Luis Manuel Diaz.  That search ended successfully today, when the 56 year old was handed over to the United Nations and Catholic Church Officials.

Mr Diaz has been taken to Valledupar, where he will be given a medical assessment, before being returned to his family.  Those close to the operation say that Mr Diaz is in good spirits, with no signs of mistreatment.

Upon hearing the news, Liverpool Football Club released a statement saying "We are delighted by the news of [Luis Díaz's] father's safe return and we thank all those involved in securing his release".  Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp also added that he was "really happy" when interviewed on TNT Sports.

Timeline of Events

28th October 2023

Luis Diaz's mother and father are abducted by 4 armed men on motorbikes, as they stopped at a petrol station in Barrancas, in the Northern Province of La Guajira, Colombia.

29th October 2023

Diaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda, is abandoned in a car, as Police close in on the armed kidnappers.  Diaz's father, Luis Manuel, is dragged away.

Luis Diaz withdraws from the Liverpool squad to face Nottingham Forest.  He initially intends to fly home to be with family, but is advised to sta in the UK for security reasons.  During the match, Liverpool players hold up a Luis Diaz (23) shirt in support of the player and his family.

Colombian officials suggest that the kidnapping has been carried out by a criminal gang, who's motive is most likely to be money.

30th October 2023

Colombian Police offer a reward of 200 million pesos (about £40,000) for information about the kidnapping.

31st October 2023

Reports emerge that Luis Manuel Diaz may have been moved into neighbouring Venezuela.  Police and Army personal search dense jungle and mountain passes looking for any signs of the kidnappers.

2nd November 2023

The Colombian Government release a statement saying that a Rebel Military group, known as the ELN (Ejercito de Liberation Nacional) is responsible for the kidnapping.  The ELN was formed in 1964.  Despite being behind several kidnappings and a bomb attack at a police training centre, the group has been holding peace talks with the Government since 2020.

Once word of the groups involvement becomes public knowledge, they pledge to arrange for the release of the hostage as soon as possible.

5th November 2023

Despite promising to release him, the ELN continue to hold Luis Manuel prisoner.  The head of the ELN releases a statement saying the kidnapping was a mistake, made by regional commanders, and calls again for his release.

Despite the setback, Luis Diaz comes off the bench to score a 95th minute equaliser for Liverpool again Luton Town.

9th November 2023

After 12 days in captivity, Luis Manuel Diaz is freed by the ELN, much to the relief of friends and family members.

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