Liverpool star welcomes baby, months after his father's 12-day kidnapping
LIVERPOOL star Luis Diaz's wife Geraldine Ponce has given birth to their second child.
The couple published adorable photos of daughter Charlotte last night.
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Geraldine, also mother to Roma, two, wrote alongside one of the snaps showing the proud parents and their children: “Now we are Roma and Charlotte.”
Roma celebrated her second birthday last November, while Luis' father was still held by kidnappers in their native Colombia.
Geraldine also posted a message from a family member on social media saying: “Welcome my beautiful Charlotte. God bless you. And congratulations mom and dad.”
The Liverpool winger also posted a touching photo of him wearing a hospital mask, hugging his youngest daughter on one side while his wife kissed her on the cheek.
Now we are Roma and Charlotte
Geraldine Ponce
And in a joint post on social media, the couple wrote alongside one of the photos of their family's newest addition: “She is a long-awaited and desired girl, who came into our lives with incredible magic.
“On our seventh anniversary, April 25, we decided it was time to watch our family grow.
“Just a month later, also on the 25th, this time in May, we received the news that we did not expect so soon, our baby was already with us.
“And today, January 25, on a day that we already thought was special, our little girl arrived. God has blessed us with our daughter.
“Charlotte has arrived to fill us with laughter, love and unforgettable moments. Now the 25th of every month is hers. Welcome our magical princess.”
The footballer's father, Luis Manuel Díaz Jimenez, 58, feared he would not make it out alive as he endured a terrifying 12-day ordeal after being kidnapped by ELN guerrillas in Colombia.
He was released on November 9 last year during a transfer involving a Colombian priest close to the Venezuelan border.
His son continued to play during the harrowing episode, scoring a late goal after coming on as a substitute in Liverpool's win over Luton on November 5.
He then returned to Colombia to be reunited with his father in emotional scenes after his release.
He then scored two goals for his country in a historic win over Brazil in a match his father watched from the stands.
The ELN, designated a terrorist organization by the US government and the EU, admitted responsibility for the kidnapping before Luis Manuel was released.
Four alleged members of a gang called Los Primos, who allegedly carried out the kidnapping and handed Mr Diaz over to a regional ELN unit called the Northern War Front, were subsequently arrested and are believed to still be in prison awaiting trial process.
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