In a professional career that spanned more than two decades, he played for both Seville clubs, Betis and Sevilla, appearing in a total of 450 La Liga matches.
Having started professionally at local CD Tenerife he signed with Real Betis for the 1982–83 season, going on to play nearly 250 official matches and score four La Liga goals.
[2] After six years, Diego joined Andalusia neighbours Sevilla FC, being an undisputed starter – as well as team captain, which he also was at Betis – almost until his final campaign, 1995–96.
[3][2] Diego retired professionally in June 1998 at the age of 38, after competing in the Segunda División with Albacete Balompié, but still played well into his 40s with another side in his region of adoption, amateurs Dos Hermanas CF.
[4] In early 2002, immediately after quitting football, he began his coaching career, acting as assistant to Alfonso Guzmán at Segunda División B's Ciudad de Murcia but replacing him for the final ten matches of the season.