The father of Liverpool star Luis Diaz, Luis Manuel Diaz, has opened up on his kidnapping by members of Colombia's ELN guerilla group after he was released following a 12-day ordeal.
Diaz walked free on November 9, and revealed he said spent "almost 12 days without sleep".
His wife had been rescued from the kidnapping only hours after both were captured on October 28.
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Speaking to media and breaking down in tears, Diaz explained he wasn't maltreated but had to endure horrific conditions.
"I had to walk too much, up and down many mountains, trying to stay safe so that… I could return home," he said in Spanish.
"… I would not want anyone to be in that mountain in the situation I was in."
Diaz also hoped his release was a step forward to peace in Colombia.
"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 … let's unite, make an effort and make a beautiful country," he said.
Throughout the ordeal, the ELN had described the kidnapping as a mistake as days of negotiations followed between the rebels and the Colombian military.
While his father was kidnapped, the younger Diaz pleaded for his father's freedom after scoring for Liverpool against Luton in the English Premier League, revealing a T-shirt saying "Freedom for Papa" in Spanish.
The 26-year-old striker is one of the most talented players on Colombia's national team. He joined Liverpool in a deal worth $105 million.
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