The parents of Colombian and Liverpool striker Luis Diaz were kidnapped on Saturday and while his mother was later rescued his father remained missing, authorities said.
Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued by police in the city of Barrancas in the northern department of La Guajira, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said.
The country’s police director, General William Salamanca, said in a video he is using every agent to find Diaz’s father.
The parents of the 26-year-old Diaz were reportedly kidnapped as they drove to their home.
Gunmen on motorbikes stopped them and drove them away in the vehicle, authorities said.
The Colombian Football Federation said in a statement that the kidnapping was regrettable and called on authorities to rescue the father.
“The Colombian Football Federation rejects the security situation faced by the parents of our player Luis DĂaz,” they stated.
“On behalf of FCF, we express our solidarity with him and his entire family, and we call on the relevant authorities to act as quickly as possible to resolve the situation.
» Liverpool said they support the player and he missed the Red Devils’ Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Liverpool Football Club can confirm that it is aware of an ongoing situation involving Luis Diaz’s family in Colombia,” a club statement read.
“We hope the issue will be resolved safely and as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, player welfare will continue to be our top priority.
» Diaz has not commented on the incident.
