Luis Diaz struggles to contain his emotions as tearful Liverpool star pays tribute to team-mate

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz was overcome with emotion as he paid tribute to Colombia captain James Rodriguez’s efforts after another high-energy display from the star as they reached the Copa America final.

In a tense affair in Charlotte, North Carolina, the eventual winners ran out 1-0 winners against Uruguay, with Jefferson Lerma’s strike enough to separate the two sides. Despite being reduced to ten men after Daniel Munoz was sent off at half-time, the Colombians showed their resilience to win.

Having secured passage to the showpiece in Miami, the jubilation of the confirmed finalists was palpable, with Rafael Santos Borre, Juan Fernando Quintero and Reds fan favorite Diaz embracing talisman Rodriguez at full-time. Capitalizing on their success, the players huddled together as they realized they had booked their place to face Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium.

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Following a busy game in which he played for 86 minutes, the Liverpool striker was keen to praise his captain for his efforts in helping his country reach the final. Former Real Madrid and Everton star Rodriguez rolled back the years during the tournament, leading Colombia’s charge with several virtuoso displays.

After the captain produced another man-of-the-match display in the last four, Diaz said in his post-match interview: “I told him, I always let James know, since I got to the national team, I let him know that he was always my idol, him and (Radamel) Falcao and (Juan) Cuadrado, who I watched play on TV, to be able to share with them fills me with pride.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder, who now plies his trade with Brazilian giants Sao Paulo, scored once and provided six assists during this summer’s competition. These performances made a lasting impression on Diaz, who continued: “I always tell him (James), ‘you’re great, I admire you so much, you deserve it.’

“He deserves it, this is his Cup, no doubt. We see him at his best. We know what he’s been through, what he’s suffered. Football is a sport of moments. Football gave him revenge and it shows that he did it. a lot class, a lot of ability… to give an assist, to play football the way it should be played, so it’s worth it, it’s really worth it.”

The game itself was marred by an ensuing ugly brawl that involved fans in the crowd at Bank of America Stadium after the final whistle. Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez went into the crowd, along with teammates Ronald Araujo, Matias Vina and Mathias Olivera, as a brawl broke out.

South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, issued a statement on the events following the match, which read: “CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence affecting football. Our work is based on the belief that football connects and unites us, through its positivity. the values.

“There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their teams and having an unforgettable party.”