Klopp sends touching message to Diaz after his dad spotted in the Liverpool end

25 November 2023 , 16:23

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Luis Diaz's dad was spotted in the away end at the Etihad Stadium (Image: Sky Sports)

Jurgen Klopp gave his support to Luis Diaz and his family after his dad was there to witness Liverpool snatch a point from Manchester City in the Premier League.

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored an 80th-minute equaliser to earn Liverpool a 1-1 draw at the defending champions in Saturday’s early kick-off. Erling Haaland’s first-half goal appeared to have Pep Guardiola’s side on their way to a 24th straight home win in all competitions before the Reds fought back well to equalise.

The goal was made extra special for Liverpool, who had Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz, in attendance among the away fans at the Etihad Stadium. Diaz senior has made the trip to England to be with his son after being released by kidnappers in his native Colombia.

He was held for 12 days by the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) group after being taken from a petrol station in his hometown Barrancas on October 28. The 58-year-old was spotted by the Sky Sports cameras celebrating Alexander-Arnold’s crisp finish and Klopp sent a message to him and his family in his post-match interview.

“They’re here now, so he (Diaz) will have more moments to share with the whole family, so that’s good,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m happy that they are together and everything is fine at the moment. The club helped them a lot, which was really cool.

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“Through all the bad things in the situation – there was nothing good about it – the whole group reacted, [which] was really good. Now they are here, that’s cool, and it’s a good combination for the Christmas time, with the family here.”

Liverpool flew Diaz senior and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, to Merseyside so they could be with their son. Diaz came on as a 54th-minute substitute for the injured Diogo Jota, but could not get on the scoresheet for his side.

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored Liverpool's equaliser in style (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

He has been in fine form recently, despite the traumatic period for his family, scoring twice in Colombia’s 2-1 win over Brazil in a World Cup qualifier during the recent international break. He spoke after the game, when he was seen in an emotional embrace with his Liverpool team-mate and Brazil goalkeeper Alisson.

He said: "Thank God, we have gone through hard times, but like life, we deserved this victory because we have made a great process, not only us players, but also the coach. Dedicate the victory to the people. A war, to win you suffer and that's what happened. Life makes you strong and brave and I think that is football, and not just football but life."

Felix Keith