Emotional Liverpool star Luis Diaz and his crying father are reunited for the first time since he was kidnapped for 12 days in Colombia

Luis Diaz embraced his crying father on Tuesday as the pair were reunited for the first time since he was kidnapped for 12 days in Colombia.

The Liverpool forward, who flew back to Colombia ahead of the November international break, arrived in the city of Barranquilla on Tuesday morning to meet with his father Luis ‘Mane’ Diaz and emotional family.

Diaz Snr and his wife Cilenis Marulanda, who was freed shortly after the kidnapping, were snatched off the streets of Colombia at gunpoint by four armed men on motorcycles on October 28. 

He remained in captivity for almost two weeks until he was freed last Thursday, having been taken by armed members of the left-wing guerrilla group Ejercito de Liberation Nacional (ELN).

Liverpool tweeted shortly after the pictures were shared on social media, responding with a love heart emoji in support of their star, who missed clashes against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth before returning to net a crucial equaliser at Luton on November 5.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz (left) embraced his crying father (right) on Tuesday as the pair were reunited for the first time since he was kidnapped for almost two weeks in Colombia

The Liverpool forward, who flew back to Colombia ahead of the November international break, arrived in the city of Barranquilla on Tuesday to meet with his father Luis ‘Mane’ Diaz (centre)

In the images shared by the Colombian Football Federation, Diaz Jr is seen tearfully embracing his father while reuniting with friends and family.

Colombian police confirmed last week that they have arrested four members of a criminal group called Los Primos (The Cousins), and the first pictures of the assailants have since been revealed. 

They face charges including kidnap and theft, with a court hearing due to take place later today in the northern Colombian city of Riohacha. 

Diaz Snr revealed he had spoken with his son shortly after his release, as he opened up on the harrowing ordeal last week.

Diaz Snr struggled to hold back the tears after seeing his son for the first time since the ordeal

The Colombian Football Federation shared images of the Liverpool star reuniting his family

He needed physical assistance at the press conference after suffering an injured knee, reportedly being forced to walk for a week straight as his captors feared being caught. 

‘I ask my brothers from the mountains, let’s put down our weapons, let’s use the pen and the notebook, let’s work to make it Colombia is the country that has the best peace,’ he said tearfully.

‘I thank Colombia for this great support. Very soon I will have the opportunity to greet them and give them a hug. Thank you very much, my people.’ 

More to follow.

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