Piero Hincapie has delivered a pointed message to Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho ahead of Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final in Budapest.
The two Ecuador internationals, who have known each other since childhood, will face off at the Puskas Arena in Hungary before joining up for World Cup preparations.
Pacho lifted the Champions League trophy last season, starting all 17 games across the campaign and keeping six clean sheets on PSG’s way to glory.
The 24-year-old defender played every match from the league phase through to the final against Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s best.
This season, Pacho has the chance to help Luis Enrique’s side become the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles since Real Madrid achieved the feat in 2017.
Hincapie, meanwhile, is chasing history of his own, with Arsenal looking to win the competition for the very first time.
Speaking to DSports, Hincapie confirmed that the two players had been in contact ahead of the final, though their conversation stayed away from football tactics.
“I’ve known Willian since we were very young,” Hincapie said, reflecting on a friendship that stretches back to their days training together at Independiente del Valle.
“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.”
Hincapie confirmed the pair spoke roughly two weeks ago, adding: “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.”
The Arsenal defender arrives at the final on the back of a Premier League title win, with the Gunners beating Crystal Palace 2-1 last weekend to seal the championship at Selhurst Park.
That victory ended Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the Premier League title, with Hincapie lifting the trophy in front of the travelling supporters.
“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 acknowledged the significance of arriving at the club during such a historic period, admitting the moment carries weight for those who have waited longest.
“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.”
He added: “Being in a Champions League final after winning the Premier League is something very important.”
