Piero Hincapie wants to get his hands on a second piece of silverware and win the UEFA Champions League for the first time in Arsenal’s history.
Piero Hincapie has been in contact with Willian Pacho ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final. Before the Ecuador stars report for international duty and begin preparations for the World Cup, they will lock horns at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday night.
Pacho got his hands on the most prestigious trophy in Europe last season, playing a crucial role in the French giant’s campaign. From the ‘league phase’ to the final against Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena, the 24-year-old defender started each of the 17 games, keeping six clean sheets along the way.
This term, he has the chance to help Luis Enrique’s side become the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles since Real Madrid did so in 2017, before claiming a third for good measure the following year. Meanwhile, Hincapie has the opportunity to etch himself into folklore and win the competition for the first time in Arsenal’s history.
Speaking to DSports, the Gunners defender, who recently lifted the Premier League, set his sights on another piece of silverware. Hincapie said: “Being in a Champions League final after winning the Premier League is something very important.”
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The Arsenal defender revealed that Pacho, whom he’s known since childhood, has been in contact ahead of the Champions League final. Hincapie said: “I’ve known Willian since we were very young.
“We trained a lot together at Independiente del Valle when we were kids, and dreaming about this moment. He already became champion, and hopefully this time it’s my turn.”
He continued: “Yes, he spoke to me. I think we talked around two weeks ago. We spoke a bit, but not about that, more about how things were going here and how everything was coming along.”
Last weekend, Arsenal were finally crowned champions of England following a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Hincapie lifted the trophy in front of the travelling supporters at Selhurst Park, ending the Gunners’ 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
“It’s been very difficult years,” said the Ecuadorian. “They had gone 22 years without winning a Premier League, and I think now everyone is very happy, very excited and wanting more.”
Hincapie added: “I don’t know if I feel that much pressure, honestly, because I just arrived. Obviously, there are many players who have been fighting for many years, and I think it’s also a relief for everyone.
“Being in a Champions League final after winning the Premier League is something very important.”
