There have been recent rumors that Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo could leave Barcelona in the summer.However, he himself has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the team.
In an interview, Araujo said, “I just want to stay at Barcelona now.Although there is a release clause in my contract, I don’t want to go.I’m happy here, this is my home.”
Araujo’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2031.That means he will be at this club for many more years.He also mentioned in the interview, “We won a lot of trophies this season and I’m happy to be part of it.It hasn’t been an easy year for me though.I missed a lot of games because of injuries.But I’m still happy that the team got three titles.”
The 2024/25 season was indeed a bit difficult for Araujo.He had surgery after playing in the Copa America and his recovery was less than ideal.During this time, other players such as Pau Kubalsi and Inigo Martinez were given more chances to play and gradually became starters.Although Araujo has since returned to the field, his form hasn’t quite returned to what it was before.
Especially in the Champions League, Barcelona lost to Inter Milan, and Araujo’s performance received some criticism.But he is not too concerned about these negative comments.He said, “I know my strength and I am calm about these issues.As long as the physical condition is good, I have the confidence to compete with anyone.As for external criticism, I don’t really think about it too much.Maybe my family cares a little bit more, but I’m not too affected by it.”
Not playing on the field for long periods of time has left him feeling a little out of sorts.”I’ve always wanted to play soccer and not sit on the bench.When you don’t play, sometimes you lose some confidence.But that’s part of the life of a soccer player.”Araujo said, “I have a long career ahead of me now as captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world.I’m sure we’ll win more games together in the future.The coach trusts me and the fans support me.”
Araujo has to face stiff competition in the upcoming season.New coach Hans Frick is building a new defense, which means there will be someone fighting for the starting job at every position.In addition to Kubalsi and Martinez, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen are also strong opponents.
For now, though, Araujo has put those transfer rumors behind him.His main goal now is to get back to his best form as soon as possible.Having just won the domestic treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey and Copa del Rey) with his team, Araujo will soon join the Uruguayan national team to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers.
He will play two matches for Uruguay: June 5 against Paraguay and June 10 against Venezuela.Both qualifiers are important for Uruguay, and Araujo will be hoping to find his confidence and rhythm with the national team.
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