John Obi Mikel sends support to Liverpool’s Luis Diaz over father’s kidnap

Former Nigeria captain Mikel John Obi has shown his support for Liverpool star Luis Diaz, who is going through the same thing he experienced in 2018.

The former Chelsea star’s father was kidnapped twice, the latest being the 2018 incident when he was representing Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup.

Pa Obi was kidnapped just before Mikel led out Nigeria for their third game against Argentina at the Russia 2018 World Cup.

His brother had called to inform him of the incident before the game and the kidnappers allowed him to speak with his father after the match.

Although he went on to play the match, which Nigeria lost 2-1, the former Chelsea midfielder revealed he couldn’t tell anybody until after the match and his teammates couldn’t comprehend when he finally told them.

Diaz’s parents have also been kidnapped in his native Colombia. Although his mother has been rescued, the search for his father is still ongoing.

In an interview with TalkSport, Mikel revealed he could hear the fear in his father’s voice when he spoke to him after the match against Argentina and thus advised Diaz to be strong and hope things go well.

“I know exactly what you’re going through and I hope you stay strong. I know it’s a tough time for him as a player and his family are all going through, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“So my message to him is ‘stay strong and do all you can to make sure your dad is released’.