Diogo Jota sends classy message of support to Luis Diaz with Liverpool star’s dad still missing in kidnap horror

DIOGO JOTA sent a classy message in support of team-mate Luis Diaz by holding up his shirt after scoring against Nottingham Forest.

Diaz’s parents were taken hostage on Saturday near their home in Barrancas, Colombia.

3

Diogo Jota made a classy gesture to Luis Diaz after scoring for LiverpoolCredit: EPA

3

Diaz’s parents were reportedly rescued from a kidnap plotCredit: Supplied

His mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was freed from her captors and was pictured overnight enjoying a tearful reunion with relatives.

But Diaz’s dad, Luis Manuel, is still missing.

The Colombian military has been called in join the hunt, while police have announced a £40,000 reward to anyone who provides crucial information as to Diaz Sr’s whereabouts.

Diaz missed Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, which Liverpool won 3-0 thanks to goals from Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah.

And he was not forgotten by his team-mates.

Jota netted the opening goal and, in a classy gesture, ran to the side of the pitch to pick up Diaz’s No7 shirt, and hold it aloft in tribute.

And football fans loved the “beautiful” gesture.

One fan posted: “Beautiful gesture from Diogo Jota❤️🇨🇴.”

3

Diaz missed the game against Nottingham ForestCredit: AFP

A second added: “A beautiful gesture from Diogo Jota towards his teammate Díaz in such a difficult moment.”

Another wrote: “Absolutely love it ❤️.”

A fourth wrote: “Not the biggest Jota fan, but class act, gotta love it.”

Liverpool released a statement confirming they were aware of the ongoing situation involving Diaz’s parents.

It read: “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.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said it was a “worrying situation for all of us”.

Local media in the La Guajira region earlier reported the footballer’s dad had been freed following a shoot-out with police which resulted in the deaths of two of the four kidnappers.

The incident is said to have happened near an area called Los Barrancones as the captors headed towards Colombia’s border with Venezuela.

They reportedly had the intention of smuggling him into the neighbouring country.

But there has not yet been any official confirmation, however, that Luis Diaz’s dad has been rescued.