Liverpool forward Luis Diaz scored a dramatic late equalizer against Luton Town on Sunday and dedicated his goal to his father, who was kidnapped by a guerrilla group in Colombia last week.
Diaz Returns to Action After Family Tragedy
Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto in the summer transfer window, had missed two games for the Reds after his parents were abducted by gunmen on motorbikes in the small town of Barrancas on October 30. His mother was rescued by the police within hours, but his father remains missing.
The 25-year-old returned to training on Thursday and said he was ready to play against Luton, despite the ongoing negotiations for his father’s release. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised Diaz’s courage and said he was “wonderful” to be with the team.
Diaz Rescues Liverpool with Stoppage-Time Goal
Liverpool, who had won their previous seven Premier League games, faced a tough challenge from newly-promoted Luton, who took the lead in the 80th minute through Tahith Chong’s counter-attack goal.
The Reds pushed for an equalizer and were rewarded in the fifth minute of added time, when Diaz met Harvey Elliott’s cross with his shoulder and sent the ball past the goalkeeper. It was his fifth goal of the season and his first since the kidnapping incident.
As he celebrated, Diaz lifted his shirt to reveal a message written on a T-shirt underneath: “Libertad Para Papa” (Freedom for Dad). He was hugged by his teammates and the Luton players, who showed their support and solidarity.
Klopp Hopes for Diaz’s Father’s Safe Return
After the game, Klopp said he was happy for Diaz’s goal, but it did not change the situation. He said the most important thing was that his father gets released soon.
“It’s a wonderful moment, but it doesn’t change the situation. The most important thing is that his father gets released,” Klopp said.
He added that the negotiations were “positive” and that he hoped for a good outcome.
“We are in contact with the family and the authorities. We hope that everything will be solved in a good way,” he said.
Klopp also thanked the Luton fans, who applauded Diaz after his goal and chanted his name.
“I have to say, the Luton supporters were outstanding. They showed a lot of respect and empathy. It was a very nice gesture,” he said.
Diaz Thanks Fans for Their Love and Prayers
Diaz took to social media after the game and thanked the fans for their love and prayers. He also reiterated his plea for his father’s freedom.
“Thank you all for your messages of support and love. I dedicate this goal to my father, who I hope will be back with us soon. Libertad Para Papa,” he wrote on Twitter.
Diaz also thanked his teammates, the Luton players and the staff for their help and kindness.
“I want to thank my teammates, the Luton players and the staff for their help and kindness. You are amazing people and I appreciate you a lot,” he wrote.
Diaz is expected to travel with Liverpool for their Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
