In a heart-wrenching plea, Luis Díaz, the talented Colombian footballer, stepped out of his professional persona to make an emotional statement regarding the kidnapping of his father, Luís Manuel Díaz. The football star, better known as “Mane,” beseeched the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional, ELN) to release his father and called upon international associations to intervene for his release.
Speaking with a heavy heart, Luis Díaz began his statement, “Here’s not the player speaking. Today’s Lucho Díaz, the son of Luís Manuel Díaz. Mane, my dad, hard-working man, family pillar… he’s now kidnapped.”
The shocking revelation of his father’s abduction has sent shockwaves through Colombia and the football community. Luis Díaz continued, “I ask ELN to release my father as soon as possible. I also ask the international associations to work on that to guarantee his freedom.”
The agony and fear that the Díaz family is experiencing were palpable in Luis’s words, “Every second, every minute, we’re more worried. We’ve no words to describe our family’s terrible feelings, and it will be the same as long as he’s not back at home.”
With a quivering voice, the footballer implored, “I beg you to release my father right now, respecting his integrity.”
The heartening response from both Colombians and the international community has provided a glimmer of hope in this harrowing situation. Luis Díaz expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank all Colombians and also the international community for your support.”
The abduction of Luís Manuel Díaz serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges that Colombia faces, and the Díaz family’s ordeal underscores the broader impact of these issues on everyday lives. The footballing world stands in solidarity with Luis Díaz and his family as they await the safe return of their beloved patriarch.