“I became a different player”: Diego Lainez explains how Tigres transformed his game
After a short-lived European stint, the winger reflects on his growth, versatility, and renewed hopes of returning to the Mexican national team.
Diego Lainez has found his rhythm at Tigres, and it shows. The team’s promising attacking start to the season owes much to an uptick in individual performances – none more evident than that of the 24-year-old winger.
Speaking from Monterrey, Lainez acknowledged his strong form so far this term and expressed gratitude to the club for shaping him into a more well-rounded player since his arrival.
“Honestly, yes – and I learned that here at Tigres. I think I’ve become a much more complete player, because maybe before I didn’t apply myself enough on the defensive side of things, or maybe I didn’t fully understand that part of the game. But I think here, I’ve become more reliable, more complete,” he said.
“I can play as a wing-back, on either flank, as a winger or through the middle. That versatility came from working with different coaches who taught me how to read the game and adapt to different roles. I’m happy I can now offer the team more than just being a natural right winger.”
He added: “I’ve become a team player. When the team needs something and I have to sacrifice a bit individually, I do it. And when they need me to take the lead, I can do that too – no problem. I love this team, I love the club, and I’m very grateful to Tigres.”
Lainez also feels his personal numbers justify hope for a return to the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup – although for now, his focus remains fully on his current club.
“I’m happy with the stats and the moment I’m living through,” he said. “Even last season, playing in a different position, I was contributing well. Now that I’m back in my natural role, I feel even more comfortable.”
“Right now, I’m focused on Tigres – this is where I want to be, where I love playing. If my performances here take me back to the national team, I’d be delighted. But for now, it’s all about Tigres.”
No regrets about his European journey
The former Club América prospect closed the interview by reflecting on his past, accepting it as it came – including his brief spell in Europe, which he still sees as a courageous and formative step in his career.
“You can never predict the future – good or bad. If you ask me whether I’d change anything, I don’t think I would,” Lainez said. “Everyone – fans, reporters, directors – asks for young players to go to Europe. At 18, I’d just won a title, scored five goals, started in the playoffs… they came in with a $15 million offer. It was my dream, and it was great for the club too.”
“People always say, ‘He should’ve waited.’ But what if that offer’s not there in six months? Or in a year? I think I took a risk – and I was brave to do it. If I had the chance again, I’d make the same choice.”
“We complain that no one goes to Europe, and then when someone does, people expect them to be starting and scoring within a month. I lived my dream – I spent about four years there. And when Tigres came in, I was thrilled. I knew the kind of club it was, I’d played against them, and I saw how much they’d grown.”
“That’s why I wouldn’t change a single thing about my career,” he concluded. “Not one bit.”
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