Luis Diaz dedicates Carabao Cup final to win to parents after kidnap ordeal
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory was “more special” for Luis Diaz after celebrating with his parents at Wembley.
The Reds’ star played the full 120 minutes as Virgil van Dijk’s extra-time header saw off Chelsea. It was a memorable victory for the Reds given how hard they have been hit by injuries.
The win against Chelsea also represented Diaz’s second League Cup success - and third trophy in all - since becoming a Liverpool player. But he believes the latest one is all the more memorable given the turmoil he and his family have been put through over the past year.
Diaz’s parents Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda were both kidnapped in their home country in November. It took 12 days for Diaz and his father to be reunited.
Speaking to Sky Sports via a translator, the Colombian said: "I dedicate this title to my mum and dad for everything they have been through. It makes it so much more special to be able to win this title. It means a lot to be able to celebrate with my family.”
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Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently dealing with a whole host of injury issues, which has seen a number of young players drafted into the side. Speaking of the challenges his side faced at Wembley, Diaz added: "It was a very tough match and big matches are played this way. It was very physical, very tough.
Luis Diaz celebrates winning the Carabao Cup with Alexis Mac Allister (Getty Images)Who was Liverpool's man-of-the-match vs Chelsea? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"They were very tired at the end but we were able to deliver the result at the end and knew that they could make it. We have a year with lots of matches, prepare like that for every game. We knew it would be a challenge but we prepared really well."
Klopp was also full of praise for Liverpool’s young players. Speaking after lifting the Carabao Cup, the German said: "I am sure we brought on all the kids! We needed fresh legs, they were fresh but very young, but they did the job.
"The boys have trained for a long time with us, they know exactly what we have to do. They are a pain, to be honest, that is what you have to be in these moments. But not only them, how about Harvey Elliot for 120 miutes, [Wataru] Endo walked to the ceremoney with the stiffest legs.
"We didn't mention Conor [Bradley], he was so good. Caoimhin [Kelleher], he was so good. We have the best keeper in the world and the best number two."
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