Liverpool star Luis Diaz's Father finally released after 12 days

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A massive sigh of relief comes as the Colombian Football Federation has officially announced that Luis Diaz's father, who was kidnapped two weeks ago, has now been released.

Luis Manuel Diaz, the father of Liverpool's proficient winger Luis Diaz, along with his wife Cilenis Marulanda, were shockingly abducted twelve days ago.

It was a situation that sent ripples of concern throughout the football fraternity, not only in Colombia but also worldwide. Adding to the relief, Diaz's mother, Marulanda, was promptly freed, leaving Manuel Diaz's fate hanging in the balance.

Following days of intense negotiations with the guerilla group known as the National Liberation Army, the seasoned footballer's father was finally freed. This release has brought great relief to the Liverpool star and his family, who have been in the throes of distress since the abduction took place. The guerilla group's motives behind the kidnapping have not been explicitly mentioned, but the incident undeniably cast a shadow over the sporting spirit that football embodies.

Liverpool's winger, Luis Diaz, hailed as one of the rising stars in international football, was naturally left distraught by the incident. The kidnapping occurred at a time when Diaz should have been focusing on his game and contributing to his team's success. Instead, he was caught up in a horrifying personal situation, a nightmare for any sportsperson.

The Colombian Football Federation released a statement on Thursday following the release of senior Diaz.

"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 Luis Manuel Diaz, father of our player Luis Diaz, possible.

"Football as a sporting discipline symbolises 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 need to maintain this activity, as well as those who are involved in it, in the sporting and administrative part and their families, outside of any scenario other than sports," it added.

Amidst his father's abduction, Diaz continued playing football and even scored a goal for Liverpool in their Premier League match against Luton Town. The Colombian is also set to start in Liverpool's Europa League clash against Toulouse on Thursday.