Luis Diaz’s father reveals his son’s dream is to play for Barcelona – days after the Liverpool winger’s sensational double against Brazil sparked emotional scenes following his release by kidnappers

Liverpool star Luis Diaz‘s father has revealed his son’s perhaps surprising dream is to play for LaLiga giants Barcelona.

The Reds winger has been a revelation since competing a £37million move from Porto in January 2022, slotting in on the left of Jurgen Klopp’s attack in the wake of Sadio Mane‘s exit the following summer. 

The 26-year-old‘s first full season with the Reds was hampered by a knee injury which restricted his game time, but he has returned to establish himself as a key cog in Klopp‘s side this term. 

Luis Manuel Diaz, who was recently rescued following a 12-day kidnapping ordeal, has let slip of his son’s desire to play at the Nou Camp. 

‘The truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment. It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there.’ He is quoted as telling Colombian TV channel Win Sports by Noticias RCN following his release. 

The Liverpool winger has established himself as a fan favourite and key contributor to Jurgen Klopp’s side

The Liverpool boss will be unperturbed by the speculation linking the player, who has almost four years left on his deal, with a move to cash-strapped Barcelona

‘So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him.

‘Luis is a player who finds it easy to win over because of the way he is, because of his humility, his work, his dedication, he is a very disciplined player, thank God. 

‘There would be no problem if Luis came to Barcelona because it is a top team and one of the best in the world.’

The Liverpool star reminded observers of his talents on Thursday with a brace in Colombia’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying win against Brazil. 

Diaz Snr collapsed to the floor in celebration with both hands aloft, looking up to the sky after his son’s late double secured victory days after his release by kidnappers. 

Diaz penned a five-and-a-half-year deal when he arrived at Anfield. He has been a regular starter in Klopp’s side this term but was absent for their win against Nottingham Forest as news of his parents kidnapping surfaced. 

The speedster made a goalscoring return off the bench against Luton while his father was still in captivity and pleaded for his release in a message written under his jersey, which he revealed during his celebration. 

Diaz Snr praised Xavi’s reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona as ‘one of the best in the world’