Bayer 04 sign central defender Hincapie

"We are very happy to have been able to bring in a young yet very self-confident central defender with international experience in Piero Hincapie," declared sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Of course, we've watched him for a while. His very good performances against absolute world-class players at the big continental tournament in South America have confirmed us in our assessment that Piero has a very promising future. He fits in with Bayer 04 and we are convinced he will be an important player for us."

Sporting managing director Rudi Völler described the 1.84 metre tall left-footer as "a ball winner, intelligent and technically gifted. This transfer completely fits in with Bayer Leverkusen," said Völler. "Piero Hincapie is a highly talented player who has the quality to immediately strengthen our squad and, at the same time, can improve even further and reach an absolute top level."

That is exactly the target for the young Ecuadorian who will wear the number 33 shirt for the Werkself. "It's a great feeling for me that a club like Bayer 04 Leverkusen made such an effort to sign me. The Bundesliga and Bayer 04 have an outstanding reputation in my own country and in the whole of South America," said Hincapie. "Now I'm here and it's fantastic and I want to further improve my level in football to the benefit of the club. We have a great team who I'd like to help with good performances."