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First interview: Piero Hincapie
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Hincapie joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen on transfer Deadline Day, becoming the club’s eighth signing of a busy summer transfer window.
The Ecuador international has initially arrived at the Emirates Stadium on a season long-loan deal, though as part of the agreement, there is an option of a permanent transfer for £45million next summer.
Mikel Arteta spoke of the “physical presence” the defender will bring to the Gunners, providing competition to the likes of Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
While Hincapie can operate at full-back, he believes his qualities are best on show when playing in central defence.
“I think I can bring a lot of courage,” he said. “I do my job well. I want to show my qualities as I've been doing for years. I want to give so much for this club.
“My best position is centre-back. I've played many games at full-back as well, but I think I'm best at centre-back.
“As for my qualities, I'm pacey and I like carrying the ball forward as well as being a leader on the pitch.”
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I've played many games at full-back as well, but I think I'm best at centre-back
Hincapie also revealed the role Granit Xhaka played in his move to Arsenal. The pair were teammates at Bayer Leverkusen for two seasons and are set to cross paths in England at least twice following the latter’s switch to Premier League newboys Sunderland.
“We'd speak a lot but not about [Arsenal]. However, I asked him about Arsenal at one point, and I queried him about how things were here,” Hincapie added.
“He spoke wonders about the club and how he felt during his spell here. I loved the conversation that we had at that point, and it wasn't that recent.
“He did send me a message recently, though. He always spoke well of the club.”
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