"He's in a great headspace" -Jurgen Klopp speaks on Luis Diaz hours after player's father rescued from kidnappers
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp spoke for the first time since Luis Diaz's father was freed by kidnappers in Colombia.
On Thursday, Diaz's father, Luís Manuel Diaz, was released by kidnappers, having spent 13 days in captivity after being snatched by the guerrilla group National Liberation Army (ELN).
Both of Diaz's parents were kidnapped at a petrol station in Colombia near the border with Venezuela.
Diaz's mother was rescued within hours after police set up roadblocks. However, the player's father was dragged away.
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It was revealed that Diaz's father had been rescued just hours before the Reds' Europa League encounter with Toulouse.
And on the matter Klopp told TNT Sports: "It looks like Luis [Diaz] is really happy, thumbs up all of the time so it looks very good but I'm not the one to release anything.
"Timing wise it couldn't have been better."
Asked if Diaz is in a great headspace, Klopp replied: "Yes, [we] asked him, he wants to [play], so good and he will."
Diaz scored an emotional late equaliser at Luton on Sunday before revealing a message on his undershirt which read "Libertad Para Papa" (Freedom for Dad).
The kidnapping had been carried out by the ELN, once of Colombia's few remaining active guerrilla group.
The ELN has been fighting the state since 1964 and has an estimated 2,500 members.
ELN is most active in Colombia's border region with Venezuela, where Diaz's parents live.
According to Colombian newspaper El Tiempo there were scenes of jubilation in the neighbourhood where Diaz's parents live, with family members driving their cars through the streets in celebration.
"He's in a great headspace!"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 9, 2023
Jurgen Klopp talks Luis Diaz, Europa League and concentrating on their own performance ❤️
🎙️ @DannyJamieson | #UEL pic.twitter.com/UJiwQFtbit
They were said to be dressed in Liverpool shirts bearing Diaz's name and the number 23.
The Colombia Football Federation confirmed the release of Diaz's father on Thursday afternoon.
In a statement they said: "The Colombian Football Federation thanks the National Government, the Military Forces and the National Police, as well as all the institutions and officials that made the release of Luís Manuel Díaz, father of our player Luís Díaz, possible,.
"Football as a sporting discipline symbolises talent, dedication, teamwork and the intrinsic values of human beings. In Colombia it must continue to be a benchmark for entertainment, healthy competition, unity and joy.
"Therefore, we insist on the need to maintain this activity, as well as those who are involved in it, in the sporting and administrative part and their families, outside of any scenario other than sports.
"Behind a ball, the dreams and illusions of boys and girls, young people, women, men and adult soccer players, their loved ones and an entire country roll.
"Football is passion in peace. Let no one ever think of attacking that reality again."
Chris Byfield