armory Defender Piero Hincapie is approaching the biggest match of his career with both confidence and a bit of friendly rivalry.
Ecuador international speaks to South American outlet dsports Ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where he will face fellow Ecuadorian Willian Pacho.
Both defenders went way back, and Hincapie made it clear that the occasion meant a lot on a personal level as well.
Still celebrating the league title.
Arsenal have spent several years trying to return to this level. Piero Hincapie admitted this during an interview while discussing the pressure surrounding the club after ending their long wait for a Premier League title.
"These have been very difficult years. They've gone 22 years without winning the Premier League and I think now everyone is very happy, very excited and wants more."
Hincapie also admitted that he does not necessarily feel the full weight of that pressure because he is still relatively new to the club.
“To be honest, I don't know if I feel that much pressure because I just arrived.”He said. “Obviously there are a lot of players who have been struggling for many years and I think it's a relief for everyone as well.”
The Arsenal defender then underlined why this moment feels so important internally at the club.
"It is very important to reach the Champions League final after winning the Premier League."
Rivalry adds extra edge
Piero Hincapie revealed that he has known Willian Pacho since childhood, with both players developing through Ecuadorian football and training together at Independiente del Valle.
"I have known Willian since we were very young. We trained a lot together at Independiente del Valle when we were kids and were dreaming about this moment."
Pacho has already won the Champions League with PSG, and Hincapie admitted he hopes this year's final will change things his way.
"He's already become a champion and hopefully it's my turn this time."
Arsenal defender feeling settled ahead of final
Hincapie also revealed that the pair have remained in touch despite the impending clash.
"Yes, he talked to me. I think we talked about two weeks ago. We talked a little bit, but not about that, but more about how things are going here and how everything is going."
Arsenal are chasing another major trophy after finally winning domestically, and Hincapie feels comfortable shouldering that responsibility.
