Father of Liverpool star Luis Diaz FORGIVES family friend at centre of kidnap plot

It is coming up to a year since the disturbing kidnapping of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz’s parents in their native Colombia.

On October 29 2023, Cilenis Marulanda and Luis Manuel ‘Mane’ Diaz were kidnapped by armed members of the ELN (National Liberation Army of Colombia, Spanish: Ejército de Liberación Nacional) in La Guajira while filling their car up with fuel.

Diaz’s mother Cilenis was rescued by police a day later, but his father Mane was held for 12 days before the harrowing episode came to an end on November 9.

This week, the sentencing of Yerdinson Bolívar, the man who earned the trust of the Diaz family to infiltrate their circle and assist in their kidnapping according to Colombian authorities, will be carried out. 

The Prosecutor’s Office has requested a sentence of 60 months for Bolívar, also known as ‘Arenca’.

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Bolívar was quoted in WINsports as saying, “I know I was wrong, I’m paying for it, I recognize that. Here I am, asking you to forgive me because I didn’t have the courage to warn you what was happening.”

#Noticia | ‘Mane’ Díaz, aceptó las disculpas de Yerdinson Bolívar, quien se habría ganado la confianza del padre de Luis Díaz, para después entregarlo al ELN para su secuestro en el 2023. Alias ‘Arenca’, le pidió disculpas a su “mejor amigo” en una audiencia y aceptó los cargos… pic.twitter.com/KdZ5ZIAFoG

— RCN Radio (@rcnradio) September 20, 2024

Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel, has accepted the apology of his former trusted friend, saying, “I accept Mr. Yerdinson’s apology, known as ‘Arenca’. These are mistakes, but trying to make amends is the best thing one can do, nothing more.”

Liverpool’s winger was absent from a game against Nottingham Forest during the ordeal last year and was supported thoroughly by the club throughout. Diogo Jota held Diaz’s shirt aloft after scoring the opener in a touching display of solidarity for his teammate.

Diaz has started this season in incredible form with five goals in five Premier League games. His father, Mane, has become a cult figure around the club and can often be seen celebrating his son’s performances on the terraces.

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Thomas Clark

I’m Thomas Clark, from the ever-sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. At 47, my life’s not your usual nine-to-five grind; I’m the voice behind the screen at FC Soccer News. My days are a mix of passion and professionalism as I weave words for the love of the game. University of Arizona’s where I honed my skills, but the real education came from the hours spent in local cafes, my eyes glued to my laptop, and my mind playing the field.

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