Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has revealed that former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso played a pivotal role in his decision to bring in defender Piero Hincapie last year.
The Gunners successfully fended off interest from Tottenham Hotspur to secure the signing of Hincapie on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
The Premier League leaders have the option to finalize the transfer for £45 million this upcoming summer.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League tie with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night, “Before we signed Hincapie, I asked Xabi [Alonso] to describe him in one word, and he said, ‘He’s a warrior.’
“He will play through brick walls for you, and he is one of the most competitive players that I have had.
“He has an aura, a charisma – a really special character.”
