Colombian government reveal guerrilla group kidnapped Diaz's father

The guerrilla group National Liberation Army, known as ELN, are responsible for kidnapping Luis Diaz's father last weekend, according to the Colombian government.

The peace delegation of the government is currently in negotiations with the group as they attempt to secure his release.

Liverpool and Colombia winger Diaz pulled out of the Reds' game against Nottingham Forest last Sunday after both of his parents were taken, although his mother has now been rescued safely.

Otty Patino, who leads the government delegation, said: "We demand that the ELN releases immediately Mr Luis Manuel Diaz and we say as of now that they are entirely responsible to secure his life and integrity.

"We remind the ELN that kidnappings are criminal acts which violate international humanitarian law and that it is their duty as part of the current peace process to not only stop engaging in kidnappings but also to forever stamp them out."

Special forces are searching for Diaz's father and police have offered a reward of over £40,000 for information.

Liverpool paid tribute to their attacker during the win against Forest, with Diogo Jota holding a home shirt with Diaz's name on the back after he opened the scoring in the 3-0 victory.

And manager Jurgen Klopp dedicated the three points to his forward, saying they had played "for our brother".

Diaz has made 43 appearances for the Colombia national team, scoring nine goals.

He joined Anfield in January 2022 from Porto and was a major player in their pursuit of the Quadruple in the second half of that 2021-22 season, eventually winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.