Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz has called for the release of his father, urging kidnappers to “free him now”.
The star’s parents were at a petrol station in the town of Barrancas, near Colombia’s border with Venezuela, on Saturday when they were abducted by armed men on motorcycles.
The winger’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued within hours by police after roadblocks were set up – but the search continues for his father Luis Manuel Diaz.
The footballer issued the appeal via an Instagram Story post on Tuesday night – as his mother and other family members took part in a vigil calling for the release of their relative.
The 26-year-old posted an image advertising the event, which said: “March for the release of ‘Mane’ Diaz”.
The post also featured details of the time and location of the vigil, and added: “Bring your candle to light the light of hope – FREE HIM NOW!”
Police air and land patrols have been searching a forest in northern Colombia amid growing fears Diaz’s father may have been smuggled across the border into Venezuela.
Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, at the vigil on Tuesday. Pic: AP
