Liverpool issue statement regarding 'ongoing' Luis Diaz situation

Cameron Smith

29 Oct 2023 14:33 GMT
3 min read

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken out following news that Luis Diaz’s parents were kidnapped in Colombia last night.

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Klopp has expressed his concern for Diaz and admitted that it’s a “worrying situation for all of us.”

Diaz’s parents were both taken hostage in Barrancas on Saturday and Colombian president Gustavo Petro has revealed that Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, has been rescued by police.

However, his father, Luis Manuel Diaz, is still missing and army troops are currently searching for him.

Petro tweeted on Sunday morning: “In a padlock operation in Barrancas, Luis Diaz's mother has been rescued, we continue the search for the father.”

Diaz, 26, was due to play in Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but has understandably pulled out of the squad. Goalkeeper Adrian has taken his place on the Reds’ bench.

On Sunday morning, Liverpool released the following statement: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia.

“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.”

What has Klopp said?

Liverpool manager Klopp also spoke out about the situation ahead of the Reds’ game versus Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest.

“We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz,” Klopp explained. “It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night.

“I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”

Colombian authorities are currently searching for Diaz’s father and are hunting his kidnappers.

Diaz has made 11 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist.