Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 5y

Mexico youngster Diego Lainez: Real Betis was 'best decision' for me

Diego Lainez is ready to play for Real Betis as early as this Thursday's Copa del Rey game against Real Sociedad, stated the 18-year-old Mexican forward in his presentation at the Spanish club on Tuesday.

Lainez arrived to Seville on Saturday, passed his medical examinations on Sunday, before training for the first time with his teammates on Monday. Now he is hoping to complete a momentous week with minutes against La Real in the round-of-16 cup clash.

  • Real Betis must be patient with young Lainez

"I feel good, I feel in form and I'm at the disposition of the coach [Quique Setien]," Lainez said in a news conference on Tuesday. "He will make the decision with his coaching staff and evaluate when I am ready."

ESPN Deportes' Manu Martin reported that despite Betis preaching patience when it comes to Lainez, the Mexico international could be called into Setien's squad for the game.

Lainez thanked Liga MX champions Club America for accepting Betis' offer and allowing him to leave for Europe and admitted that joining the Andalusian team was a simple decision, despite reportedly also having offers from Ajax and Lyon.

"I'm very happy to be part of this great club, I'm sure that it's the best decision I could've made," Lainez said. "There were other options, but the decision was easy."

Betis sporting director Serra Ferrer was equally pleased.

"A while ago, for a lot of reason and despite his youth, Diego showed us signs that every day that passed was an opportunity missed to bring in this fresh talent," Ferrer said. "We have faith in him and are sure he'll contribute."

Lainez added that he was happy to have fellow Mexico international Andres Guardado at the club, which has reportedly received a boost in social media followers since the youngster's transfer.

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