Luis Diaz dedicates Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final to win to parents after kidnap ordeal

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory was “more special” for Luis Diaz after celebrating with his parents at Wembley.

The Reds’ star played the full 120 minutes as Virgil van Dijk’s extra-time header saw off Chelsea. It was a memorable victory for the Reds given how hard they have been hit by injuries.

The win against Chelsea also represented Diaz’s second League Cup success – and third trophy in all – since becoming a Liverpool player. But he believes the latest one is all the more memorable given the turmoil he and his family have been put through over the past year.

Diaz’s parents Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda were both kidnapped in their home country in November. It took 12 days for Diaz and his father to be reunited.

Speaking to Sky Sports via a translator, the Colombian said: “I dedicate this title to my mum and dad for everything they have been through. It makes it so much more special to be able to win this title. It means a lot to be able to celebrate with my family.”

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently dealing with a whole host of injury issues, which has seen a number of young players drafted into the side. Speaking of the challenges his side faced at Wembley, Diaz added: “It was a very tough match and big matches are played this way. It was very physical, very tough.

“They were very tired at the end but we were able to deliver the result at the end and knew that they could make it. We have a year with lots of matches, prepare like that for every game. We knew it would be a challenge but we prepared really well.”