“Luis Díaz’s Father Hospitalized in Colombia: Over a Year After Traumatic Kidnapping”
Luis Díaz’s father, Luis Manuel Díaz, who was kidnapped by Colombian rebels last year and held for 12 days, has been hospitalized with chest pains in Colombia, just over a year after the traumatic event.
The 58-year-old, known as “Mane” in his hometown, was first taken to Our Lady of Pilar Hospital in Barrancas for stabilization and oxygen. He was then transferred to the Cesar Cardiovascular Institute in Valledupar, around 90 minutes away, for further tests and treatment.
Local sources report that Luis Manuel is undergoing cardiac catheterization, a common procedure to check heart health. However, his family has dismissed rumors of a heart attack, suggesting the chest pain may be related to a muscle strain. In a statement to journalist Hamilton Daza, Luis Manuel reassured supporters, saying: “I thank God for keeping me healthy. It’s just pain, not related to heart issues. There’s no need to worry; I’ll be fine.”
Doctors expect him to recover in time to celebrate the New Year with his family at home. The hospital confirmed that he remains under close observation for a speedy recovery.
This health scare comes 13 months after his release from a harrowing kidnapping. Members of the ELN guerrilla group held him captive for 12 days before releasing him in a handover facilitated by a Colombian priest near the Venezuelan border. During his father’s ordeal, Luis Díaz continued playing for Liverpool, scoring a vital goal against Luton. He later had an emotional reunion with his father upon returning to Colombia.
Luis Manuel’s kidnapping led to the conviction of one accomplice, Yerdinson Bolívar Bolívar, who was sentenced to just over four years in prison. Three others arrested in connection to the crime are still awaiting trial.
Luis Díaz’s resilience both on and off the field has been inspiring, and his father’s recovery offers hope to their story of overcoming hardship.
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