Luis Diaz’s wife says ‘the best gift’ would be to ‘have Grandpa back by our side’ as she posts birthday message for their daughter… as authorities look to accelerate the release of Diaz’s father after kidnapping

• Luis Diaz’s wife took to Instagram to celebrate their daughter’s second birthday
• It comes amid an acceleration from authorities in the search for Diaz’s father
• Big debates on Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal on It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

Luis Diaz’s wife has said ‘the best gift’ would be to ‘have Grandpa back by our side’ as she shared an emotional birthday message for their two-year-old daughter. 

The post comes amid the ongoing search for Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel, who was abducted along with his wife in their hometown of Barrancas near the Venezuelan border last Saturday. 

His mother was rescued hours later and returned to family but his father remains in the hands of ELN – with authorities now looking to accelerate the search for Luis Manuel. 

Amidst all of this, Diaz’s wife – Gera Ponce – took to Instagram to post a birthday message for their daughter Roma. 

In the post, Ponce wrote: ‘Today our great love turns 2 years old, a princess that fills our hearts with hope. The best gift for her would definitely be to have Grandpa Mane back by our side and we trust God it will be.

Luis Diaz’s wife Gera Ponce took to Instagram to celebrate their daughter’s second birthday

A number of users posted ‘praying hands’ emojis, likely in reference to the ongoing search for Luis Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel

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‘God bless you, keep you and allow you to grow always surrounded by love, my princess. Happy Birthday! WE LOVE YOU’.

Liverpool team-mates Darwin Nunez and goalkeeper Adrian posted in the comments to celebrate the birthday, while others commented in reference to the ongoing search. 

A number of users, including Colombia star Linda Caicedo, posted emojis that depicted a pair of hands together, praying. 

One user wrote: ‘Praying hard for you guys. That gift will come. Healthy and safe’. 

In the latest update regarding the kidnapping, the head of the rebel group that kidnapped the parents of the Liverpool star conceded they made a ‘mistake’ by not freeing his father. 

There are 150 uniformed military personnel in the area of Barrancas as authorities look to accelerate the release of Diaz’s father, with peace talks with the ELN, branded a terrorist group by the US government, continuing. 

‘The retention of Luis Diaz’s father by the Northern War Front was a mistake,’ ELN commander Antonio Garcia wrote on his Telegram channel, according to AFP.

‘Lucho is a symbol of Colombia – that is how we in the ELN feel about him,’ Garcia added, using the nickname of the 26-year-old footballer, who returned to Liverpool training on Friday.

Diaz’s (left) father Luis Manuel (right) is still to be released by left-wing rebel group ELN – but the head of the guerrilla group is reported to have said they made a ‘mistake’ holding the father

The Liverpool star’s mother (above in 2019, left centre) was rescued after the pair were snatched off the streets of Colombia last week, but his father’s whereabouts are still unknown

ELN, a left-wing rebel group, were identified on Thursday as the organisation responsible for Luis Manuel Diaz’s abduction.

The ELN group had promised to secure 58-year-old Mr Diaz’s release in a matter of hours after being identified as the culprits – but this has still to come to pass.

Now, in partnership with National Police, the air force and the army, 150 uniformed military personnel are in Barrancas to help facilitate a handover process.

Colonel Giovanni Montañez is the man orchestrating the military response.

‘It has been arranged by the Military Forces, with the National Army, the Aerospace Force, in coordination with the National Police. In the same way with the provision of the Attorney General’s Office. We continue with the deployment of units, doing repositioning,’ said the colonel.

Speaking on Friday, Colombia president Gustavo Petro has said Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s father’s kidnappers have not come good on their promise to release him and his situation is becoming ‘very dangerous’.

Luis Diaz’s mother Cilenis Marulanda (centre) led a community march demanding the release of her husband, Luis Manuel Diaz, on Tuesday

From an address in Washington during an official visit to the US, Mr Petro said: ‘The ELN’s authorship means the ELN today is responsible for the life of the father of Luis Diaz. 

‘It has committed an act that contravenes the peace process.

‘I have to express my most profound rejection, not only for having kidnapped Luis’ dad, but because in the ensuing developments, they have not been able to free him.

‘There is an expressed wish on the part of the ELN leaders to free him as soon as possible.

‘But the hours are passing, and as this goes on in time, the situation in which Mr Diaz is in becomes very dangerous.’

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