‘I beg you’ – Luis Diaz issues emotional plea for release of father after poignant Liverpool goal

Luis Diaz issued an emotional plea for the release of his father after his poignant goal for Liverpool on Sunday.

The Colombian forward netted a stoppage-time equaliser for the Reds in their 1-1 draw at Luton, making his first appearance since his father, Luis Manuel, was taken last weekend.

Diaz's parents were kidnapped at gunpoint in Colombia last week.

His mother has since been found, but his father remains missing.

The National Liberation Army (ELN), a left-wing guerrilla organisation, is behind the abduction.

After scoring the equaliser at Kenilworth Road, the 26-year-old revealed a t-shirt bearing a message reading 'Freedom for Dad'.

He then put out a statement calling for his dad's release, which read: «Today the footballer is not speaking to you. Today Lucho Diaz, the son of Luis Manuel Diaz, is speaking to you.

»Mane, my dad, is a tireless worker, a pillar in the family and he has been kidnapped.

«I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father, and I ask international organisations to work together for his freedom.

»Every second, every minute, our anguish grows. My mother, my brothers and I are desperate, distressed and without words to describe what we are feeling. This suffering will only end when we have him back home.

«I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible.

»In the name of love and compassion, we ask that you reconsider your actions and allow us to recover him.

«I thank Colombians and the international community for the support received, thank you for so many demonstrations of affection and solidarity in this difficult time that many families in my country find themselves living.»

Diaz's appearance as an 83rd-minute substitute at Kenilworth