**[Arsenal](https://sportwitness.co.uk/category/premier-league/arsenal/) defender Piero Hincapié is heading into the biggest match of his career carrying both confidence and a little bit of friendly rivalry.**
The Ecuador international spoke to South American outlet [**DSports**](https://x.com/DSportsEC/status/2059304022138610111?s=20) ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where he will come up against fellow Ecuadorian Willian Pacho.
The two defenders go back a long way, and Hincapié made it clear the occasion means plenty on a personal level as well.
**Still celebrating the league title**
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Arsenal have spent years trying to return to this stage. Piero Hincapié acknowledged that during the interview while discussing the pressure surrounding the club after finally ending their long wait for a Premier League title.
_“It’s been very difficult years. They had gone 22 years without winning a Premier League and I think now everyone is very happy, very excited and wanting more.”_
Hincapié also admitted he does not necessarily feel the full weight of that pressure himself because he is still relatively new at the club.
_“I don’t know if I feel that much pressure, honestly, because I just arrived”_, he said. _“Obviously there are many players who have been fighting for many years and I think it’s also a relief for everyone.”_
The Arsenal defender then underlined why this moment feels so important internally at the club.
_“Being in a Champions League final after winning the Premier League is something very important.”_
**Rivalry adds extra edge**
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Piero Hincapié revealed he has known Willian Pacho since childhood, with both players developing through Ecuadorian football and training together at Independiente del Valle.
_“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.”_
Pacho already lifted the Champions League with PSG, and Hincapié admitted he hopes this year’s final swings his way instead.
_“He already became champion, and hopefully this time it’s my turn.”_
**Arsenal defender feeling settled before final**
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Hincapié also revealed the pair have stayed in contact despite the looming showdown.
_“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.”_
Arsenal are chasing another major trophy after finally getting over the line domestically, and Hincapié sounds comfortable carrying that responsibility.