Luis Manuel Diaz, the 58-year-old father of Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz, has been hospitalised in Colombia with chest pains.
The dad-of-four was admitted to hospital yesterday morning, just 13 months after his high-profile kidnapping ordeal.
He has been transferred to a specialist centre for comprehensive medical tests after initially being treated at Our Lady of Pilar Hospital in his hometown of Barrancas.
His family has denied claims that he suffered a heart attack, with medical staff investigating whether the chest pain could be linked to a strained muscle.
Luis Manuel Diaz was taken to hospital with chest pains
GETTY
Mr Diaz was given oxygen and stabilised at Our Lady of Pilar Hospital before being moved to the Cesar Cardiovascular Institute in Valledupar, a 90-minute drive away.
Local news website El Pilon reported that he would undergo cardiac catheterisation, a common procedure involving a flexible tube being moved through a blood vessel to the heart.
He is expected to be discharged from hospital in time to celebrate New Year with his family at home.
Speaking to local journalist Hamilton Daza, Mr Diaz said: “I thank God for keeping me healthy again. I’m a bit worried but thanks to God everything is fine, it’s nothing serious.
“The doctors have certified it’s just pain and has nothing to do with heart problems.
Luis Diaz has been in action for Liverpool this week
REUTERS
“There’s no need for anyone to be concerned. There’s ‘Mane’ for a while.”
The Cesar Cardiovascular Institute confirmed in a statement: “Luis Manuel Diaz Jimenez is hospitalised in our centre receiving comprehensive specialised medical care.
“He will remain under strict management and surveillance with the aim of obtaining the best results for his health and his swift return to his family.”
This health scare comes just one year after Mr Diaz was kidnapped by ELN rebels, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the US and EU.
His ordeal lasted 12 days before he was freed near the Venezuelan border on November 9 last year, with the help of a Colombian priest.
During the kidnapping, his son Luis continued playing for Liverpool, notably scoring as a substitute against Luton on November 5, 2023.
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Luis Diaz’s father was kidnapped last year
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One of the kidnappers, Yerdinson Bolívar Bolívar, who was known to Mr Diaz, received a four-year prison sentence in October after admitting his involvement.
Three other men arrested in connection with the kidnapping are still awaiting trial.
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