Colombia is a country that lives and breathes soccer. It is ingrained in the culture and has provided countless moments of joy and pride for its people. However, a recent event has shaken the nation to its core – the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of Colombian soccer player Luis Diaz. On Saturday, Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda, parents of the Liverpool player, were kidnapped by armed assailants in their hometown of Barrancas, in the department of La Guajira.
While his mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was fortunately rescued a few hours later, his father, Luis Manuel Diaz, is still missing. Francisco Barbosa, the prosecutor handling the case, announced that the father may be in Venezuelan territory and a significant reward (has been offered for any information leading to his safe return.
Thanks to security camera footage, the individuals responsible for the kidnapping have been identified, and a team of 230 elite commandos from the Police and Military Forces are intensifying their search efforts.
The international soccer community has been out in force for Diaz and his family, with many expressing their solidarity and support. In a recent match against Nottingham Forest, Diaz’s teammate Diogo Jota scored a goal and dedicated it to Diaz by showing a shirt with his name on it, a gesture that was greeted with applause throughout the stadium.
Diaz had initially planned to travel back home to be with his family, but he was convinced by relatives to remain in England for safety reasons. The decision speaks volumes about the fear and uncertainty surrounding the situation in Colombia.
The country is impatiently awaiting news on the case, with a collective prayer for Diaz’s safe return and justice for his captors. In the meantime, his teammates and the soccer world stand in solidarity with him. Fans will continue to offer him their unconditional support in these difficult times.
With information from El Espectador
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