“Heartbreak Continues: Luis Díaz’s Father Hospitalized in Colombia, One Year After Shocking Kidnap Ordeal”

“Tragedy Strikes Again: Luis Díaz’s Father Rushed to Hospital in Colombia, Just One Year After Kidnap Ordeal”

“Luis Díaz’s Father Hospitalized in Colombia, One Year After Shocking Kidnap Incident”

Luis Manuel Díaz, the father of footballer Luis Díaz, was abducted by Colombian rebels last year and held for 12 days before being freed. Now, the 58-year-old is hospitalized with chest pains in Colombia, just over a year after the harrowing experience.

The father of four, known as “Mane” in his hometown, was initially admitted to Our Lady of Pilar Hospital in Barrancas, where he was stabilised and given oxygen. Afterward, he was transferred to the Cesar Cardiovascular Institute in Valledupar, approximately 90 minutes away, for further testing and treatment.

Reports indicate that Luis Manuel is undergoing cardiac catheterisation, a routine procedure to evaluate heart health. However, his family has dismissed rumors of a heart attack, attributing the chest pain to a possible 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, and it’s not related to heart problems. There’s no need to worry; I’ll be fine.”

Doctors anticipate he will recover in time to celebrate the New Year at home with his family. The hospital issued a statement confirming that he remains under close observation to ensure a swift recovery.

This health scare follows just 13 months after his release from a traumatic kidnap ordeal. He was held captive by members of the ELN guerrilla group for 12 days before being freed in a handover facilitated by a Colombian priest near the Venezuelan border. During that time, his son, Luis Díaz, continued to play for Liverpool, scoring a key goal in a match against Luton. The two were later reunited in an emotional moment when Luis Díaz returned to Colombia.

The kidnapping led to the sentencing of one accomplice, Yerdinson Bolívar Bolívar, who received over four years in prison. Three other individuals involved in the crime are still awaiting trial.

Luis Díaz’s resilience, both on and off the field, continues to inspire, and with his father’s recovery, their story of overcoming hardship is filled with hope.