CNN —The cousin of Liverpool soccer star Luis Díaz told CNN on Friday that his family is relieved and “really thankful for all the support from the entire nation,” following the release of Díaz’s father by the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group on Thursday night. Díaz Sr. was abducted along with his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, by ELN gunmen on October 28 in his hometown of Barrancas, northeastern Colombia. A few hours later, he was received by his relatives and friends at the Díaz family home in Barrancas. Luis Díaz’s cousin, Jose Brito Díaz, spoke with CNN by phone from Barrancas, saying it was a moment of celebration for the entire family and the town at large. Díaz Sr. was welcomed back in his hometown on Thursday.

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Persons: Luis Díaz, “, Díaz, Cilenis, Marulanda, Luis Díaz’s, Jose Brito Díaz, ” Brito Díaz, Ricardo Maldonado Rozo, EFE, EFE Díaz Organizations: CNN, National Liberation Army, UN, Europa League, Toulouse FC, Colombian Football Federation, Brazil Locations: Liverpool, Barrancas, Colombia, Valledupar, videocall, Toulouse, France, Liverpool’s, Colombian, Paraguay