Kidnappers make pledge regarding Luis Diaz's father after Liverpool star scored in Luton draw
Luis Diaz displayed a message on his shirt after scoring for Liverpool in their Premier League draw with Luton
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The terror group behind the kidnap of Luis Diaz's father have vowed to keep their word and free him.
The Liverpool star scored on Sunday to rescue a point for his side in a 1-1 Premier League draw with Luton.
It was an emotional moment for Diaz, who then lifted his shirt to display a message calling for the release of his father.
Luis Manuel Diaz was kidnapped nine days ago after the Guerilla group stormed his home town of Barrancas last Saturday afternoon.
Luis Diaz's father was kidnapped nine days ago with Liverpool star and his family concerned for his safety
The left-wing ELN says it understands the anguish of his family, having previously promised to release him four days ago.
However, it has accused the Colombian government of complicating matters due to its response.
Police have swamped the region and have been looking for the father of the Liverpool star, with soldiers also involved.
ELN say they want 'security guarantees' before releasing the 58-year-old.
The terror group said: "On November 2, we informed the country of the decision to release Mr Luis Manuel Díaz, father of the player Luis Diaz.
"From that date, we began the process to accomplish this as soon as possible. We are making efforts to avoid incidents with government forces.
"The area is still militarised, they are carrying out flyovers, disembarking troops, broadcasting and offering rewards as part of an intense search operation.
"This situation is not allowing for the execution of the release plan quickly and safely, where Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz is not at risk.
"If operations continue in the area, they will delay the release and increase the risks.
"We understand the anguish of the Diaz Marulanda family, to whom we say that we will keep our word to release him unilaterally, as soon as we have security guarantees for the development of the liberation operation."
Diaz, after scoring for Liverpool at Luton, emotionally pleaded with the group to let 'Mane' go.
"This is not Luis Diaz the player speaking. Today it is the son of Luis Manuel Diaz speaking," stated the 26-year-old.
"Mane, my dad, is a hard-working family man, the pillar of our family and he's been kidnapped.
"I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father, and I ask international organisations to work together for his freedom
"Every second, every minute, our anguish grows.
"My mother, my brothers and I are desperate, distressed and without words to describe what we are feeling.
"This suffering will only end when we have him back home.
"I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible.
"In the name of love and compassion, we ask you to reconsider your actions and allow us to have him back.
"I thank Colombians and the international community for the support received, thank you for so many demonstrations of affection and solidarity in this difficult time that many families in my country find themselves experiencing."
Diaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda was also abducted at the end of last month.
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Luis Diaz is being supported by Liverpool with winger netting in their 1-1 draw with Luton on Sunday
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She was freed within hours, however, and has been worried about her husband ever since.
Reports from the region have said the ELN took five months to plan the kidnap of Diaz.
They reportedly opted to snatch him last Saturday because police were preoccupied with regional elections, which took place 24 hours later.
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