Kidnapped father of soccer star Luis Diaz released

The father of Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz has been released after being kidnapped about two weeks ago.

Diaz is also a member of Colombia's national team.

Luis Manuel Diaz was abducted by an armed group on October 28 in northern Colombia.

The Colombian government said the group belongs to a guerrilla organization, the National Liberation Army, or ELN.

The government held negotiations with the help of other parties, including the United Nations, until Diaz was released on Thursday. Government officials say he has no health problems.

The abduction of the popular Premier League player's father gained international attention. When Diaz scored a goal during a league match, he revealed a T-shirt under his uniform bearing a message appealing for his father's release.

Liverpool Football Club posted a comment on social media. It said, "We thank all those involved in securing his release."