Mikel Arteta said Xabi Alonso called Piero Hincapie “a warrior” before Arsenal signed him, while the defender has admitted he remains grateful to Bayer Leverkusen ahead of his return
Mikel Arteta has explained how Xabi Alonso helped shape Arsenal’s view of Piero Hincapie before the defender arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, with the Arsenal manager revealing the one-word description that stuck. Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League reunion at the BayArena, Arteta spoke about some of the behind the scenes motivation for signing Hincapie. Sharing that he asked Alonso how he would define Hincapie before the move and was told simply: “He’s a warrior.”
Tonight, Hincapie will have the chance to face the club where he established himself, winning the the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023/24.
Alonso’s verdict told Arsenal plenty
Arteta’s account offers a useful insight into why Arsenal moved for Hincapie in the first place. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said Alonso’s assessment proved accurate almost immediately. Arteta described Hincapie as a player who “will play through brick walls for you” calling the Ecuadorian “one of the most competitive players” he has managed.
Arteta also pointed to the defender’s personality away from the pitch, saying he has “an aura” and “a charisma”, which helps explain how quickly he has become part of Arsenal’s rhythm this season.
That competitiveness, in Arteta’s view, has shown itself despite an awkward start to life in England. Hincapie arrived after surgery and without a full pre-season, yet has settled with the authority of someone who has been in the squad far longer and with a variety of injury issues across Arsenal's back line this season, has already found himself with 27 appearances across all competitions.
Hincapie has not forgotten Leverkusen
What lifts the story beyond a standard pre-match compliment is Hincapie’s own view of the reunion. In an interview with BILD carried by Arsenal, he said: “I’m very grateful to the club” and reflected on how much he developed in Germany, both “as a footballer and as a person”. He also spoke about being able to leave “a lasting mark” with Leverkusen’s double-winning campaign in 2023/24.
Hincapie’s comments frame Leverkusen as the place where he matured and still holds love for, while Arteta’s remarks show why Arsenal believed that background would translate well to the Premier League.
Facing the club he left behind
Wednesday’s tie also comes with an added twist for Hincapie, who is eligible to face parent club Bayer Leverkusen despite joining Arsenal on loan last summer.
That gives him an immediate chance to show those qualities back at the club where he built his reputation. Arteta’s message was clear enough: the recommendation from Alonso was not just flattering, it was accurate.