Family friend JAILED after Luis Diaz kidnap plot

The kidnap of Luis Diaz’s parents, Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda, in Barrancas, Colombia last year was a story that shocked the football world to its core.

Diaz’s father was held in captivity for 12 days by the National Liberation Army of Colombia (Spanish: Ejército de Liberación Nacional, ELN) whilst Diaz’s mother was released a few hours after the kidnapping.

It emerged later that the kidnap had been facilitated by a man named Yerdinson Bolivar who was a close friend of the Diaz Marulanda family.

Bolivar, who goes by the alias ‘Arenca’, used his position of closeness to the family to plan the kidnap. Colombian outlet El Espectador report that ‘Arenca’ met with members of the National Liberation Army to provide them with details of Diaz’s parents’ routines and movements. Before the kidnapping, he accompanied them to a fruit stand in the city of Barrancas, where armed men were waiting to capture them.

‘Arenca’ has now been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for his participation in the plot. He additionally must pay a fine equivalent to 234 current legal monthly minimum wages, and is banned from holding public office for 56 months.

‘Arenca’ publicly apologised to Diaz’s parents and Luis Manuel Diaz publicly accepted the apology last month, saying "I accept Mr. Yerdinson's apology… These are mistakes, but trying to make amends is the best thing one can do, nothing more".

The Liverpool winger himself missed a game against Nottingham Forest last October whilst the scenario was unfolding and received consistent support from the club throughout. Diogo Jota held Diaz’s shirt aloft after scoring the opener in that game, demonstrating his teammates’ commitment to standing behind him in his time of need.

Luis Manuel has become a likeable figure on the terraces in the aftermath, often seen celebrating with fellow Reds up and down the country.