Barcelona are reportedly interesting in signing Liverpool star Luis Diaz this summer (Picture: Getty)
There are growing fears that Luis Diaz may have played his final game for Liverpool after the forward’s girlfriend penned an emotional letter to fans on social media.
Diaz, 28, racked up 13 goals and five assists across an excellent individual season in the Premier League to help Liverpool clinch their record-equaling 20th top-flight title in Arne Slot’s first year at the helm.
It adds to the FA Cup and two Carabao Cup titles that Diaz had already lifted across his opening two-and-a-half years under Jurgen Klopp.
Slot has been unequivocal that he views Diaz as a central figure going forward, but speculation has been mounting that the Colombia international could be set for the exit door this summer.
Barcelona are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements to further strengthen their La Liga-winning squad and have reportedly placed Diaz at the top of their wishlist, alongside Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford.
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Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr are also believed to be exploring a possible bid for the ex-Porto star.
With that in mind, it is little wonder that many fans began fearing the worst when Diaz’s partner, Gera Ponce, took to Instagram to thank the Anfield faithful for ‘the unconditional love’ they had received throughout their time on Merseyside.
Diaz has also been linked with Saudi club Al-Nassr (Picture: Getty)
Slot will do everything in his power to keep hold of Diaz this summer (Picture: Getty)
‘To the incredible Liverpool fans,’ Ponce said in a touching post which some have – rightly or wrongly – read as a farewell message.
‘From the first day we arrived, we felt first hand what it means to be a part of this club.
‘We knew the slogan was “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, but to hear them sing it with so much passion, support each other at every moment and show such unconditional love… confirmed to us that here you never walk alone.
‘This fan doesn’t just support, it feels. And what you have made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls.’
Ponce added: ‘Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication and for making us feel at home.
‘Being a part of this fan is a privilege. There’s no doubt: they’re the best in the world.
‘This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms that we’ll never walk alone.’
Diaz says he remains ‘really happy’ on Merseyside (Picture: Getty)
In response to the post, @theliverpoolzone_ wrote: ‘I hope this isn’t a farewell post [crying emoji].’
‘Is this a goodbye? [crying emoji],’ one Liverpool fan replied.
‘I hope this isn’t a goodbye post? I hope you’re here to stay for a long time! [love heart emoji],’ another supporter responded.
‘Don’t go!’ @anythinglfc_ wrote, while another fan replied: ‘Don’t let him go, if he wants to make history, Liverpool is the team.’
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Barca’s interest in Diaz stretches back over a year and the club’s sporting director, Deco, has refused to rule out a summer move, revealing his admiration for the Colombian last week.
‘We like Luis and we like Rashford,’ Deco told Catalan radio station RAC1.
‘However, we can’t talk about players who are under contract.
‘For me, it’s much more important to improve what we have at home.’
The Colombian scored 13 league goals for the Reds this term (Picture: Getty)
Diaz, meanwhile, insisted he was ‘really happy’ to be a Liverpool player as he spoke to the club’s official website in the wake of their Premier League title triumph.
‘I feel I’m going through a really good period,’ Diaz said.
‘I’m really happy to be here, to be part of this great institution, this great club and to have great team-mates around me.
‘From the moment I arrived, I felt great pride. I always tried to work hard for this, and to see that nowadays things are working out for me fills me with pride and I’m really happy because that’s what I work for.
‘But we are nobodies without our team-mates. We are a team.
‘The forwards and wingers always try to help with goals and assists, and right now I’ve achieved good numbers to back that up.
‘It’s about playing and then playing well, supporting the team in the way I play and enjoying it, like always.’
Diaz’s current contract with the English champions runs through to June 2027.
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