Liverpool charters a private jet to fly Luis Diaz’s parents to the UK for Christmas less than two weeks after the winger’s father was rescued following a 12-day kidnapping ordeal in Colombia

• Liverpool chartered private jet for Luis Diaz’s parents to spend Christmas in UK
• Diaz’s father was recently freed 12 days after being kidnapped in Colombia
• Southgate’s loyalty to his players is an issue and a weakness – It’s All Kicking Off

Liverpool have flown Luis Diaz’s parents to UK to spend Christmas with their son just days after they survived a kidnapping ordeal in their native Colombia.

The Liverpool star’s parents were accosted at gunpoint on October 28 by members of the Colombian left-wing guerilla group the National Liberation Army.

His mother, Cilenis Marulanda. was released almost immediately after been taken captive, but his father Luis Manuel was held hostage for 12 days before being freed in a handover close to the Venezuelan border on November 9.

Diaz continued playing throughout the harrowing incident, netting after coming on as a substitute in Liverpool’s win over Luton earlier this month before returning to South America for international duty.

After being reunited with Luis Manuel in emotional scenes in the city of Barranquilla earlier this week, Dias went on to inspire Colombia to a historic victory over Brazil on Friday.

Luis Diaz’s parents have arrived in the UK on a private jet chartered by Liverpool after their recent kidnapping ordeal

The pair were in attendance as Diaz inspired Colombia to victory over Brazil on Friday

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The 26-year-old netted twice in quick succession to overturn Gabriel Martinelli’s opener at the Estadio Metropolitano, with cameras capturing his father’s emotional response in the crowd.

According to a report from the PA News agency, Liverpool chartered a private jet for Diaz’s parents to return to the UK following the historic victory.

The decision is said to have been made for security reasons, and to ensure they can spent an extended period of time together following the traumatic events.

The jet arrived at Liverpool John Lennon airport on Saturday morning.

Diaz will join his parents on Merseyside when he returns from international duty, with winger expected to feature in Colombia’s World Cup qualifying clash with Paraguay on Tuesday.

The Reds return to Premier League action on Saturday as they face Manchester City at the Etihad, where a win would allow them to leapfrog Pep Guardiola’s side at the top of the table.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have suffered just one league defeat so far this season and have won five of their last seven games in all competitions. 

Diaz was pictured sharing an emotional embrace with his father after he was freed following 12 days in captivity earlier this month

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