Diogo Jota dedicates goal vs Nottingham Forest to Luis Diaz after parents kidnapped in Colombia

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota dedicated his opening goal against Nottingham Forest to his teammate Luis Diaz in a touching moment at Anfield.

Diaz, 26, was not included in Liverpool's squad for the match after his parents were kidnapped by armed gunmen in his native Colombia.

Both Diaz's mother and father were taken while travelling from their home in Barrancas on Saturday.

His mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was subsequently rescued after the Colombian attorney general's office assembled a team of investigators to look for the couple.

Reports in Colombia have claimed that the player's father, Luis Manuel Diaz, was rescued on Sunday morning following a shootout between the kidnappers and the Colombian police that left two of the captors dead.

But there is yet to be official confirmation from the police that his father is safe.

Understandably, Diaz was not available for selection when Liverpool took on Forest at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Jota took his place in the side and opening the scoring midway through the first half after Darwin Nunez's initial shot was saved.

Jota immediately ran over to the Liverpool bench and pulled out a shirt featuring Diaz's name, before holding it up to the crowd.

Shortly afterwards Nunez also scored to give the home side a 2-0 lead at the half-time break.

Speaking ahead of the match, Jurgen Klopp gave an update on the 'worrying' situation involving Diaz.

"We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Diaz," Klopp told BBC Sport.

"It's a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night.

Jota holds up Luis Diaz’s shirt to celebrate his goal ❤️

pic.twitter.com/NYPYEzqdvQ

— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) October 29, 2023

"I have never had that before. It's a new experience I never needed."

Liverpool confirmed in a club statement that they were supporting Diaz.

"Liverpool Football Club can confirm it is aware of an ongoing situation involving the family of Luis Diaz in Colombia," read the statement.

"It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, the player's welfare will continue to be our immediate priority."

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