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    Major update in hunt for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad as potential location revealed after ‘bloody gunfight’

    A MAJOR update in the search for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad has emerged as Colombian authorities reveal his potential location.Colombia’s attorney general, Francisco Barbosa, confirmed it is possible the winger’s father Luis Manuel Diaz could be taken to Venezuela.
    Colombian authorities have provided a major update in the search for the dad of Liverpool forward Luis DiazCredit: Rex
    Luis Manuel Diaz has been missing since Saturday after being kidnapped by armed gunmen in ColombiaCredit: AFP
    Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was also taken but was later rescued after being found in the city of Barrancas the same nightCredit: Supplied
    Diaz’s parents were kidnapped on Saturday night by armed gunmen at a gas station in their home town of Barrancas, La Guajira, in the country’s northern region.
    The player’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was later rescued after being found in Barrancas on Saturday, but her husband is yet to be found.
    In a shocking update, Barbosa has now confirmed the potential whereabouts of Diaz’s father.
    He told reporters: “We have information that he could, at some point, be in Venezuela.
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    “If he ends up crossing the border and he’s in Venezuela, we have to ask [Colombia] President Gustavo Petro … to help us with freeing Luis Diaz’s father.”
    The Attorney General added that he had contacted Diaz twice to provide the 26-year-old with updates on the investigation.
    Colombia President Gustavo Petro said “all the public forces have been deployed” to find Diaz’s father.
    The police and military were immediately mobilised as a full scale operation to recover the pair was put in place on Saturday.
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    It comes after earlier reports suggested Diaz’s father was rescued during a police shoot-out that left two of the four kidnappers dead.
    A man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative when they were taken hostage at a petrol station.
    Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday.
    “They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
    “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
    “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area.
    “The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”
    In a statement, the army said it had set up roadblocks and deployed two motorised platoons, unmanned aircraft, helicopters and a plane with radar in the search for his father.
    On Sunday, director of the National Police, General William Rene Salamanca, announced a reward of “up to 200m pesos” (about £40,000) for any information that leads to the rescue of Diaz’s father.
    The Colombia football federation also issued a statement to the captors.
    It read: “We ask the captors of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of Luis F. Diaz, to release him immediately, without conditions. Football is peace. Luis, we are with you. Colombia is with you.”
    Diaz was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.
    Diogo Jota, who replaced the Colombian in the starting lineup, held up Diaz’s number seven shirt after scoring Liverpool’s first goal.
    Following the game, he said: “Luis was with us in the hotel then he went home. It’s a very hard situation and I don’t know how anyone would react if it happened to you.
    “He was going to play. I played instead of him and I showed him his shirt to show we’re with him and we hope everything works out.
    “It’s unimaginable to think a situation like this could happen. We can just support him and show him we’re with him.”
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dedicated the win to Diaz, saying they had won “for our brother”.
    Speaking on the sudden turn of events, Klopp said: “It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night.
    “I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”
    “We heard late last night about it. We spoke to Luis, he wanted to go home.
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    “Then we got the news with his mum, which is fantastic, and since then nothing really.”
    The club said before Sunday’s game that they were “aware of an ongoing situation” involving the family of Diaz, adding the player’s welfare “will continue to be our immediate priority”.
    Portuguese forward Diogo Jota held up Diaz’s shirt after scoring the opening goal in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on SundayCredit: EPA More

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    Cops still searching for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s dad after terrifying kidnap in Colombia as mum rescued and freed

    COPS are continuing their search for Luis Diaz’s dad after he and the Liverpool star’s mum were kidnapped in Colombia before she was freed.It comes after earlier reports suggested Luis Manuel Diaz was rescued during a police shootout that left two of his captors dead.
    Luis Diaz’s dad has reportedly been rescued after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia
    Luis Diaz in action for Liverpool in August 2022Credit: Getty
    The Liverpool FC striker’s parents were taken hostage on Saturday near their home in Barrancas, Colombia.
    It comes after his mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was freed from her captors and was pictured overnight enjoying a tearful reunion with relatives, with Diaz’s dad still reportedly missing.
    Liverpool FC released a statement today confirming it was aware of the ongoing situation involving Diaz’s parents.
    “It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity,” they said.
    READ MORE ON LUIZ DIAZ
    “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”.
    Colombian police have announced that they are prepared to reward anyone who will provide crucial information into the kidnapping of Diaz’s dad with £40,000.
    William Rene Salamanca Ramirez, the director general of Colombia’s National Police force, was today filmed speaking with the 26-year-old winger on his mobile phone from an undisclosed location in La Guajira where he travelled to after the kidnap took place.
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    He told the footballer, referring to him by his nickname of Lucho: “Dear Lucho, you’re talking to William Salamanca the director of Colombia’s National Police.
    “I am here in La Guajira on the orders of Colombia’s President to lead and supervise the operation to rescue your father.
    “Last night we managed to rescue your mother and she is safe and well.
    “We are here and using all the air and land resources available with the support of the Colombian Army”.
    The police chief spoke to the Liverpool player after Colombia’s Ambassador to the UK Roy Barreras described the kidnap of Luis’ parents as “miserable” and said their liberation was being seen as a “national priority.”
    He said in a direct message to the captors after it was confirmed Cilenis had been rescued but Luis Manuel Diaz was still missing amid fears he was already in Venezuela: “Mr kidnappers: In addition to a heinous crime, you have committed a terrible mistake!
    “You have offended the flag of Colombia, the shirt that I am sure you have also worn to shout the goals of the Colombian National Team that unites us all.
    “You still have time. Avoid a greater tragedy. It will turn out badly for you! Correct the error Free Lucho Díaz’s father now.”
    The Colombian army said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “Army troops support the search operation for the parents of soccer player Luis Díaz, who apparently are victims of kidnapping.”
    Diaz has not been included in Liverpool’s squad to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
    Local media in the La Guajira region earlier reported the footballer’s dad had been freed following a shootout 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.
    The reports emerged as a man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative when they were taken hostage at a petrol station.
    Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday.
    “They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
    “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
    “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area.
    “The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”
    Responding to claims there was an exchange of gunfire before Cilenis was rescued, Medina said: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to her yet.
    “It’s a difficult situation. She’s back at home with doctors because we know she arrived quite distressed after what has been a trauma for her.
    “We’re just waiting for everything to calm down a bit before we speak with her.”
    He added: “Luis Manuel Diaz is a person who is much loved in Barrancas and there’s never been any talk of threats.
    “He and his family are highly appreciated in this municipality and that is why he always felt calm and safe here.
    “But there is always going to be someone who wants to harm a family, a family which is bringing a lot of glory and a lot of recognition to Barrancas.
    “The general public rejects acts like this targeting a much-loved and respected family in our municipality.”
    Diaz is Colombia’s biggest star and has scored nine goals in 43 appearances for the national side.
    His father previously revealed the Liverpool ace suffered from an illness which caused him to lose a dangerous amount of weight.
    The tricky winger went from “chubby” to extremely skinny which could’ve cost him his life.
    Diaz was born and raised in the heartland of Colombia’s largest indigenous community.
    His football skills impressed scouts, including Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama.
    After scoring seven goals at the 2015 Copa Sudamericana de Pueblos Indigenas, Diaz’s career began to take off.
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    Atletico Junior sent him on loan to Barranquilla, where he was put on a special diet to gain 10kg.
    Diaz crossed the Atlantic to join Porto in 2019, before moving to Liverpool in January 2022.
    The Liverpool ace’s parents were taken near their home while on their way to a relatives houseCredit: Getty More

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    Solly March faces missing rest of SEASON with devastating injury in huge blow to Brighton

    SOLLY MARCH could be sidelined for the rest of the season following his knee injury at Manchester City.The Brighton winger, who was carried off in last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at the Etihad, has suffered an “important” injury, manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed.
    Solly March’s injury is a big worry for Seagulls’ boss Roberto De ZerbiCredit: Rex
    March will be a long-term crock after being taken off deep in stoppage time at Man City over the weekendCredit: Alamy
    Team-mate Danny Welbeck also hobbled off with a hamstring problem which De Zerbi confirmed was serious.
    Asked if March would play again this season, the Italian said: “I don’t know. It is difficult to fix a time.
    “For sure it is a long period. I don’t know how many months.
    “Solly unfortunately is a very tough injury, very important injury.
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    “We will lose him for a long time and Welbeck is the same, both long term.
    “We love Solly and we will be very close with him to support him every day.
    “But we have to accept it because football is like this. Injuries can happen, it can happen to lose a season. It is football.”
    De Zerbi is already without left-back Pervis Estupinian, Julio Enciso and full-back Tariq Lamptey as Brighton prepare to host Ajax in the Europa League on Thursday night.
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    He added: “I don’t want to cry because sometimes coaches cry when they lose players.
    “We have to move on and work harder to find a different solution.” More

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    Mystery as missing North Korean footballer dubbed The People’s Ronaldo ‘REAPPEARS’… but it could spell tragedy

    A FOOTBALLER dubbed The People’s Cristiano Ronaldo has mysteriously “reappeared” after vanishing from the spotlight years ago.Former Juventus striker Han Kwang-song reportedly left Italy last month and returned to his native North Korea – but he might not have the warmest welcome back.
    Former Juventus striker Han Kwang-song, from North Korea, mysteriously ‘reappeared’Credit: Getty
    The 24-year-old reportedly left Italy last month and returned to his homelandCredit: Getty
    Han’s return could spell tragedy as he re-enters Kim Jong-un’s ruthless regimeCredit: Getty
    On Tuesday, sports expert Marco Bagozzi updated Radio Free Asia (RFA) on the Pyongyang-born’s latest whereabouts.
    “I recently spoke with Han Kwang-song’s close friend in Italy and he confirmed that he left mid-August,” he said.
    Marco added that Han’s Facebook Messenger account has been “unusable” ever since.
    Another source, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Asian news outlet that the footballer had left for Beijing in August and returned to his homeland with fellow North Korean residents.
    Read more on Han Kwang-Song
    The insider claims that on August 22, Han was one of 200 North Korean passengers returning from China in a state-owned Air Koryo flight.
    Jorn Andersen, who coached the North Korean national team, also told RFA: “He has not been in contact with me since last year.”
    The 24-year-old’s enigmatic “comeback” could spell some tragedy as Han re-enters Kim Jong-un’s ruthless regime.
    The promising striker could likely be deemed as a North Korean “defector”, meaning he could face harsh interrogation, a prison camp sentence, or worse – the capital punishment.
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    Lee Hyun-seung, a North Korean defector currently residing in the US, told Radio Free Asia that overseas workers or civil servants would be subjected to months-long political ideological training once back to their homeland.
    “When the border is opened and overseas civil servants and worker re-enter North Korea, there is a high probability that these people will receive intensive ideological training from various Government bodies for at least three months,” he said.
    “These include units of the Organization and Guidance Department, Propaganda and Agitation Department, State Security Department, and Party cells.”
    Han’s trip to Rome from Doha in 2021 was his last known journey, CNN reports.
    That same year, Han was accused of breaching UN sanctions as he may had been funnelling his £20k-a-week wage to Kim’s nuke programme, experts believe.
    Han, the first North Korean to score in Serie A, was considered a promising young talent and was previously linked with big money moves to Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Everton.
    But Al-Duhail released him from the multi-million-pound contract he signed in 2020 amid a sanctions-busting probe by UN officials.
    Athletes are not exempt from international rules that stop North Koreans earning money overseas in case it goes to fund Kim’s nuclear programme.
    Experts told The Sun it is likely Han would have been forced to send most of his hefty pay packet back to the North Korean regime – which would have been in a blatant breach of UN sanctions.
    The promising striker could likely be deemed as a North Korean ‘defector’Credit: Getty
    Han could face harsh interrogation, a prison camp sentence, or capital punishmentCredit: Getty More

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    Police hunting for missing former Bundesliga player and manager as family beg public to help find him

    THE FAMILY of ex-Bundesliga footballer Uwe Klimaschefski have put out an urgent appeal to the police and public to help find him.Klimaschefski, 84, was reported to be missing since 5pm on September 7.
    Uwe Klimaschefski’s family have put out an appeal to the police and public after he went missingCredit: Picture Alliance / Nordphoto
    Klimaschefski played for a host of top German clubs in the 1950s and 60sCredit: Getty
    An appeal from his daughters Martina and Heike Klimaschefski on Facebook said: “Uwe Klimaschefski has been missing since September 7th at 5pm. 
    “He drove his car from Homburg to Berlin. 
    “Approached a passer-by there around 5pm to make a phone call. Since then there has been no trace.”
    Klimaschefski is said to be “urgently dependent on medication.”
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    The statement on Heike’s page continued: “If anyone sees him, please notify the Berlin police, me or my sister Martina Klimaschefski.
    “The Berlin police have received a missing person report.”
    The former forward enjoyed a playing career across a number of top German clubs including Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin across the 1950s and 60s.
    He later went on to become a coach for the likes of FC Homburg, Mainz, Hertha and 1860 Munich.
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    Klimaschefski was diagnosed with severe diabetes shortly before his 80th birthday.
    At the time he told BILD he “cheated death” after it was revealed he had a blood sugar level of 1100, with the normal level being between 110 and 140.
    He added: “They said I should actually be dead. I didn’t actually plan on setting the world record there.” More

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    Costa Rican footballer devoured by crocodile while bathing in river as beast is spotted with body in its jaws

    A FOOTBALLER has been devoured by a crocodile after taking a dip in a river to cool off.Shocking images show the large reptile swimming through the water with the victim’s body in its jaws.
    Tributes have been paid to Costa Rican footballer Jesus Alberto Lopez OrtizCredit: Jam Press
    Shocking images emerged of the player being mauled and carried by a crocodileCredit: Jam Press Vid
    Locals battled to haul the victim’s body from the riverCredit: Jam Press Vid
    Another clip shows the crocodile being shot dead in the water before locals carry its victim’s body to the riverbank.
    Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz, nicknamed “Chucho”, was killed by the reptile on Saturday, it has been revealed.
    The 29-year-old footballer was attacked by the crocodile while cooling off in the river in Rio Cañas in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica.
    Locals followed the reptile in a canoe – but a statement by local police said it was their officers who killed the crocodile.
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    Lopez was a footballer for amateur side Deportivo Río Cañas, as well as a dad to two children aged eight and three.
    His distraught family have now appealed to the public to help pay for the player’s funeral costs, while his team manager Luis Carlos Montes is also organising a collection.
    The player’s club paid tribute, saying: “With deep sorrow we make public the death of our player Jesús López Ortiz that God enjoys.
    “Rest in peace, Chucho – we join the pain of all his family.
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    One supporter’s comment in response on Facebook said: “Always with his humility that characterised him, last night he delighted us with his last game.
    “We will miss you, Chucho – the ball always at 10.”
    Costa Rica’s ministry of environment and energy bans hunting or killing protected animals including crocodiles.
    But local police decided they had permission under the central American country’s wildlife laws “to free the body from the jaws of the reptile” and shoot the crocodile dead.
    In a statement, they said: “It should be clarified that all efforts were made to rescue the body of the deceased person without causing damage to the reptile, which was not possible.”
    Last November a 12ft crocodile tore off the head of an eight-year-old boy Julio Otero Fernández in Costa Rica while he was on a fishing trip with his horrified family.
    Later that month a hunter tracked the suspected predator and shot it dead before fleeing the scene.
    In Indonesia last July, a 14-year-old girl was killed by a crocodile while washing her clothes in the river.
    That attack came a year and a half after another eight-year-old boy was mauled to death by a crocodile near his home in Malaysia.
    And just last week, also in Malaysia, a missing farmer was found inside the belly of a huge 14ft crocodile.
    An elderly man died when he was set upon by some 40 crocodiles after falling into their enclosure earlier this year in Cambodia.
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    Also in May, the remains of a missing fisherman were found inside two crocodiles in Australia.
    And last year two tourists from the United States were attacked by a crocodile at a resort in Mexico when one went swimming in the ocean at night and the second came in to try helping him. More

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    Malo Gusto arrives in London for Chelsea medical ahead of £26m transfer with defender missing Lyon’s clash vs Ajaccio

    MALO GUSTO has arrived in London to undergo his medical at Chelsea, according to reports.The Lyon right-back has agreed a £26m move to Stamford Bridge after the Blues beat Manchester United to his signature.
    Malo Gusto is set to undergo his medical at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    And he’s now moved a step closer to completing his switch to the Premier League.
    According to RMC Sport, Gusto has a landed in the capital to have his Chelsea medical.
    As a result, the 19-year-old WON’T play in Lyon’s Ligue 1 clash with Ajaccio on Sunday.
    But Gusto will return to France because the two clubs have struck a deal that will see the teenager spend the rest of the season on loan in Lyon.
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    He is set to become Graham Potter’s sixth signing of the January window and will link up with his new team-mates in the summer.
    Gusto will cost the Blues £26.3m plus add-ons.
    Despite not turning 20 until May, he’s already played 54 matches for the French club, registering six assists during that period.
    And his arrival ahead of next season will see him provide some much-needed cover for Reece James, who’s missed much of this campaign with two separate knee injuries.
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    James has endured long spells on the sidelines, forcing him to miss more than 15 matches in all competitions.
    But the England star is in contention to return for Chelsea’s next game against Fulham on Friday. More

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    Former Feyenoord and Sevilla footballer Mark van den Boogart missing as police begin search after family appeal

    POLICE have begun searching for missing Dutch footballer Mark van den Boogart.The former Sevilla B and Feyenoord ace has been uncontactable for nearly two weeks – going missing on January 6.
    An urgent appeal has been launched to help find missing Dutch footballer Mark van den Boogart
    The 37-year-old’s family believe he may be in Spain and have launched an urgent appeal for any information about his whereabouts.
    It read: “Mark has been missing since Friday, January 6.
    “He may be in Spain.
    “We are concerned about his well-being and we miss him very much.
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    “If you have seen Mark or if you have any information that can help us find him, contact the Police.”
    Van den Boogart, a former midfielder, is said to suffer from depression – which has added an extra element of concern for his loved ones.
    And it’s prompted his former Real Murcia team-mate Inaki Bea to issue his own plea to help find him.
    The Numancia manager said: “We have a close relationship with his family.
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    “Mark left home and lost track of him.
    “He suffers from depression and has been missing since Friday the 6th.”
    Van den Boogart began his career with Eredivisie big boys Feyenoord before joining Sevilla’s second string.
    A move to NEC Nijmegen followed in 2007 before he upped sticks to join Murcia in 2009.
    He returned to his homeland in 2010 to join Barendrecht, who he played for two seasons before signing for Rijnsburgse Boys.
    He was most recently at Amsterdamsche FC – whom he joined in 2015. More