Piero Hincapié is one of the new bets that Bayer Leverkusen has signed for the 2021-2022 season. The 19-year-old Ecuadorian defender came to the German team from Talleres de Córdoba in exchange for 6.35 million euros. This will be the first time that he has played in soccer on the Old Continent after training at Independiente Del Valle before arriving in Argentine soccer.
Hincapié will be the sixth Ecuadorian to play in the Bundesliga after Felix Borja, Carlos Gruezo, Leonel Ramírez, Anderson Ordóñez and Johan Mina. None of the above has had a remarkable step in Teutonic football, but he knows that, “I have many things to do and many more to demonstrate.”
The defender did not forget the South Americans with whom he will share the championship. Although he never faced Rafael Santos Borré for the Argentine championship, he hopes to do so soon.
Face Rafael Santos Borré: “I think he is a great player. In Argentina we do not face each other because we do not play against River. We can face each other here in Germany and it would be fabulous.”
Friendship with Colombians in Workshops: “Rafael Pérez and Diego Baloyes are good friends of mine. We have a group and we talk a lot. In training, in games, on a day-to-day basis, they have greatly influenced me to reach this level.”
Meaning of being the sixth Ecuadorian in the Bundesliga: “It is pure Ecuadorian pride. I have high expectations here in the Bundesliga. I have many things to do and many more to show.”
Your time at IDV: “He left a lot in me. I was formed in a very good team. Besides football, they teach you things personally. To grow as a person. That was the most important thing he instilled in my Independiente Del Valle. I am very grateful.”
Tips from your teammates: “Some wrote to me. They wished me the best, as always. We are very close to the national team and we support each other. When they saw that I was coming to the Bundesliga they wished me the best.”
Club confidence: “I am very grateful. I signed for five years, which will be five years of work. Every season anything can happen, but I hope to play many games here.”
Chat with Alfaro: “I have not spoken with him. They showed me the interview he had given. He said the transfer took a long time. I hoped this would happen soon, but that is very difficult between clubs. I’m here and when I go to Ecuador I want to talk to he”.
How far do you want to go: “There is still a lot to improve and learn. My parents have always told me that not even the sky is my limit. I always carry that motto in me.”
European training in IDV: “Independiente Del Valle has a very good structure. It has many European coaches who influenced me a lot, especially Miguel Ángel Ramirez in the first division. In terms of training, many people helped me because it is a very good club. Thanks to them I reached the highest demands and my level “.
