Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has admitted the club would have preferred to keep Piero Hincapie as the defender prepares to face his former side in the Champions League.
Piero Hincapie joined Arsenal on loan in the summer, with a €52 million purchase option/obligation that will be triggered after the season ends.
The German club’s financial situation ultimately forced their hand despite Rolfes’ desire to keep the 24-year-old and, ahead of the match, he reflected on the defender’s development during his time in Germany.
“We would have loved to keep Piero. Now we’re happy to see him again. Because his time with us was a fantastic success story. He has matured into a top international player with us,” Rolfes said of the defender, who now has 50 caps for his country.
Speaking about his time at Leverkusen, Hincapie reflected on the progress he made both on and off the pitch.
“When I arrived in Leverkusen, I only spoke Spanish,” he said. “At first, I was even too shy to ask the physio for treatment. Now I laugh about it.
“That’s just one example of how much I grew in Leverkusen, both as a footballer and as a person. I’m very grateful to the club. I was able to develop so much there and leave a lasting mark with the double in 2023/24.”
Hincapie was also asked about the connection between his former coach, Xabi Alonso, and current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, both of whom share Basque roots.
“Yes, and you can tell [they were childhood friends],” Hincapié said, adding: “Their playing philosophies may differ, but the two Basques are quite similar in character.
“They both have this incredibly strong passion for winning football matches. You can feel it in the intensity of every training session and every conversation. That’s what makes them special.