LUIS DIAZ starts for Liverpool against Toulouse this evening just hours after his dad was dramatically freed.
Diaz’s father was finally released 12 days after being kidnapped by ELN guerrillas in Colombia.
PALuis Diaz scored as a substitute against Luton at the weekend[/caption]
The Liverpool star remained in training during the ordeal, and came on as a late substitute against Luton last weekend.
After he scored a last-gasp equaliser for the Reds, Diaz revealed a message on his undershirt, reading: “Libertad Para Papa” – meaning “Freedom for my father”.
Luis Manuel Díaz Jimenez, 58, was finally freed after it was agreed a commission from the United Nations and the Catholic Church would liaise with the ELN.
He was seen earlier today getting out of a chopper in the border area between La Guajira and Cesar.
Diaz’s dad was seen waving before getting into a car to be transported to hospital for a checkup.
He was initially taken hostage at gunpoint alongside his wife on October 28 in Barrancas.
Diaz’s mother was saved by cops but his dad was dragged away following a pursuit.
The kidnapping caused outrage in Colombia, where Diaz is a popular figure.
It is believed to have been planned by by a female guerrilla fighter called Patricia – who has spent more than half her life trying to overthrow the Colombian government.
More follows…