Luis Díaz's father, Luis Manuel Díaz, has been released after a harrowing 12-day kidnapping, and his emotional homecoming in Colombia was captured in a heartwarming video shared by various international media outlets.
The Liverpool football star's father was warmly greeted with flags, balloons, and hugs from family and friends as he arrived home under escort.
Luis Manuel Díaz was held captive by the rebel group ELN for nearly two weeks before his release on Thursday. In a surprising turn of events, this kidnapping incident also involved Luis Díaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda, who was released by the same group on the day of the abduction.
The Colombian Football Federation confirmed the release of Díaz's father late on Thursday, expressing gratitude to national authorities, the military, the police, and all officials involved in facilitating his safe return.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro also expressed relief over the news, celebrating the return of peace and freedom.
The couple was out buying melons when they were abducted by the ELN, which later admitted that the kidnapping of Díaz's father was a mistake.
With Thursday's release, a tense crisis involving the military, police, and a special investigative unit has been successfully resolved, bringing an end to a challenging period for the Díaz family.
Watch the heartwarming moment when Luis Diaz's father returned safely back to his family here:
