Diego Lainez says he’s seen as “the bad guy” in choosing Tigres over Club América | OneFootball

Speaking with ESPN, reported by Mexican outlet RÉCORD, Mexican international winger Diego Lainez outlined his decision to join Tigres and not Club América upon his return to Liga MX after a spell in Europe.

Still only 22, Lainez left América in 2019 for Real Betis in Spain, a run that included a loan with Braga last year. Once highly regarded, the skilful winger failed to meet lofty expectations in Spain, failing to score in 55 La Liga games for Betis. Another loan this season has taken the player back to Mexico where he controversially joined Tigres instead of returning to his boyhood club.

Lainez explained that it was the Tigres board that did the most to convince him to join their club, saying: “I’m committed to Tigres. I’m happy here, they did everything to get me here, the directors did everything in their power to bring me back to Mexico. They did it and I’m happy and grateful for this opportunity, now I’m at Tigres and I will give everything for Tigres.”

Club América president, Santiago Baños, had previously stated that Lainez’s financial demands made his return impossible, however. The player, meanwhile, insisted that things have been said that “weren’t true” while bemoaning the notion that, from his point of view, he is always painted as “the bad guy.”

In seven games so far for Tigres, Lainez is yet to score or provide an assist.

Get Football | Adam White