Diogo Jota dedicates Liverpool celebration to Luis Diaz after parents’ kidnap
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Diogo Jota showed love to Luis Diaz by holding up his Liverpool shirt after scoring the opener in Liverpool's game against Nottingham Forest.
The Portuguese forward tapped the ball in after Matt Turner parried away Darwin Nunez's initial strike to put Liverpool up 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. in the Premier League. The Anfield crowd roared as Jota decided to mark his second goal this week by holding up Diaz's number seven shirt in support of the Colombian after the horrific news that his parents were kidnapped.
The tragic news broke out early Sunday (October 29) morning as the winger was left out of Liverpool squad in order to deal with the terrifying situation. His omission from the squad paved the way for Jota to start as he ran to the bench to dedicate the goal to his team-mate.
READ MORE: Luis Diaz misses Liverpool's match vs Nottingham Forest after parents' kidnap ordeal
READ MORE: Luis Diaz's kidnapped dad still missing with mum found as Jurgen Klopp issues update
His mother, Cilenis Marulanda, and his father, Luis Manuel Díaz, were both taken by their kidnappers on Sunday (October 29) in Barrancas, La Guajira. It's understood the unidentified armed motorcyclists managed to track down the truck both were inside, before intercepting and boarding it, moments before they were taken away.
Director of police General William Salamanca confirmed she had been found by the authorities. "We are pleased that you are free again, madam," he said. "I congratulate them [the authorities] for the reaction of all the police officers dedicated to the cause." The general said that Diaz Sr is yet to be found as he added: "Let's continue searching for the soccer player's father, we already have the mother."
When news of the worrying situation first emerged, Liverpool released a statement in the early hours of Sunday morning that read: "When the news first broke out, Liverpool released a statement in the early hours of the morning that read: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia.
"It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority."
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp spoke ahead of his side's clash against Nottingham Forest as he opened up on the omission of Diaz from the squad. "We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz," he said. "It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”
Fans on social media called Jota a class act for his celebration with one fan writing: "I love how the lads care for each other" while another wished for the safety of Diaz's parents as they commented: "Awesome! Hope Diaz's parents will be okay, Good goal and great gesture".
- Liverpool FC
- Premier League
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