November 11, (THEWILL) – The father of Liverpool winger, Luis Diaz, has spoken out about the harrowing kidnapping nightmare he endured last month. Luis Manuel Diaz revealed he went nearly 12 days without sleep, while being held captive by the National Liberation Army (ELN) in Colombia.
Diaz was kidnapped in late October, along with his wife, Cilenis Marulanda. While Marulanda was rescued after a few hours, Diaz remained held for close to two weeks before being freed to the United Nations officials following negotiations.
In his first public comments since returning home, Diaz described the physical and psychological toll of the kidnapping. “Almost 12 days without sleep, even though the treatment was good, but because I didn’t feel comfortable. I missed my family, my children, my father, my sisters, the town, my friends, my students, everyone,” he said.
Diaz also spoke of the arduous conditions during captivity, saying he walked extensively through unfamiliar mountainous terrain. “I don’t want anyone to go through those mountains in the situation I was in,” he stated.
Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, praised his squad including Luis Diaz, for supporting each other during the ordeal. Klopp said the team had to find a way to focus on football despite the distressing situation involving their teammate’s family.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
