Luis Diaz Returns to Where it All Started for Special Farewell
Liverpool’s new No. 7, Luis Diaz, spent his summer break back in his native Colombia and just days before he was due to report for pre-season, he laced up his boots to play in a special match for an old friend. Atletico Junior, Diaz’s first club, were saying goodbye to goalkeeper Sebastian Viera, who had played for the club for 12 years and lifted seven trophies. Diaz had played 91 of those matches alongside Viera and was invited back for his farewell match on Saturday.
Warm Welcome for Diaz
Diaz received a warm welcome on his return to his former stomping ground as he and his daughter made their way onto the pitch before the match. He wore the No. 23 on this occasion and missed a penalty early on after striking the upright. In the end, it was a convincing 5-0 win for Junior – although, we will take that as Diaz being kind to Viera, it was his farewell after all!
Diaz Set for Pre-Season with Liverpool
Diaz played on the left wing at the Estadio Metropolitano and it is where we will see him plenty this coming season for Liverpool. The 26-year-old managed just 21 appearances last season after a serious knee injury kept him out of the team for six months. There may have been a few concerns to see him on the pitch so close to pre-season but it will have been a good way to blow out the cobwebs before he returns to the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday.
Liverpool’s Forward Line Capable of Tearing Any Defence Apart
There will be anticipation of having Diaz readily available alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez – a forward line capable of tearing any defence apart. With Diaz back in action, Liverpool will be looking to challenge for honours this season and make up for their disappointing 2020/21 campaign.
Conclusion
It was a special moment for Luis Diaz as he returned to where it all started for him and said goodbye to his former team-mate Sebastian Viera. Diaz will now be looking ahead to pre-season with Liverpool and will be hoping to make an impact this season as part of a forward line that is capable of tearing any defence apart.