Liverpool winger Luis Diaz scored an emotional goal at Luton as he hopes for the release of his father, who was kidnapped in Colombia 

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz scored an emotional goal at Luton as he hopes for the release of his father, who was kidnapped in Colombia

Jurgen Klopp admits the real reason for Luis Diaz to celebrate will be the release of his father after an emotional afternoon for the Liverpool winger.

 

Diaz came off the bench to score a dramatic injury-time equaliser to earn the Reds a 1-1 Premier League draw at newly-promoted Luton Town on Sunday.

 

The Colombian then lifted his shirt to reveal a t-shirt with the message “Libertad Para Papa” demanding freedom for his father, who was kidnapped in his homeland last weekend.

Diaz had missed the last two games following the incident – his mother was also kidnapped but swiftly rescued – but returned to training later in the week and made himself available for the trip to Kenilworth Road.

 

And while happy the winger had scored the leveller, Klopp believes that is merely incidental compared to the obvious issue that remains.

 

“It was wonderful and emotional and fantastic, but the real problem is not sorted because of that,” said the Reds boss. “We wanted to give – and he wanted it as well – Lucho an opportunity to be a bit distracted from the other things. He cannot do anything, he is waiting all the time and the family is waiting all the time (for news).

 

“He has trained now a few times with us and he was then in a good mood, which is good for him. I think the signs from Colombia are rather positive and optimistic but the real one thing we all want to hear didn’t happen yet.

“He didn’t train a lot. I didn’t know exactly when we could bring him on, but it was a game when obviously another offensive player would make sense. You bring him on with the quality he has, and then he scores the goal which is wonderful.”

 

Asked what he said to Diaz after the match, Klopp said: “After the game, no words were necessary. We just have each other a hug, that’s all. We know he is okay but desperately waiting for the right news.

 

“I understand it’s a nice story and super positive and great for him, but these things (scoring the equaliser) go by. The real information we need is different information.

 

“It’s a really, really positive thing for him, but all the other problems remain the same.”