Liverpool FC release statement after parents of Luis Diaz kidnapped in Colombia

The club says the winger's welfare is their 'immediate priority'

Author: Matt SoanesPublished 29th Oct 2023

Liverpool FC says it is aware of the 'ongoing situation' around the parents of winger Luiz Diaz, after the pair were kidnapped in his home country of Colombia.

They were reportedly approached by armed men at a petrol station in the city of Barrancas.

However, Colombian President Gustavo Pedro has since confirmed Diaz' mother, Cilenis Marulanda, has been freed by police.

Diaz's father remains missing.

In a statement, Liverpool confirmed they are "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.

The statement adds: "In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority."

It's unclear if Diaz will feature during the Reds Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest later.

In its own statement, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) wrote: "The Colombian Football Federation rejects the security situation that the parents of our player Luis Díaz are going through."

"From the FCF we express our solidarity with him and his entire family and we call for the relevant authorities to act as quickly as possible to resolve the situation."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.