The Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is one of the clearest leaders in the current FC Barcelona squad. Having made his first team debut in 2019, the defender has grown to become a mainstay in the team’s defense and is already one of the captains for the team at 24 years of age.
The defender has been recently linked with a move to Bayern Munich. However, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, he expressed his commitment to Barcelona in a recent interview.
The Uruguayan showed a desire to keep winning titles with Barcelona to add to his tally of three titles that he has already won:
“I’ve won three titles with Barça, but I want more. I’m a natural-born winner; I always want to win, and when I lose, it gets to me, changing my character. I’m eager to succeed, to aim for important titles. It’s both a personal and team desire.”
Araujo went on to commend Xavi, who has been under fire in the last few days, especially mentioning that Barcelona have returned to play according to the club’s traditional style:
“We’ve been doing good work since Xavi’s arrival; with him, we’ve returned to Barcelona’s style of play, and the addition of young players has been beneficial.”
The defender was sure that despite the club’s financial problems, the current team is good enough to compete for the biggest titles:
“Despite the club’s delicate economic situation, the group is very good. Talented individuals have joined us, and they’re helping us a lot. I believe we can aspire to the highest titles. We all want to win.”
“Experienced individuals have joined, some have just won the Champions League, and there are also young players who, when we won the league last season, saw how wonderful it is to win at this club. I hope we get used to winning.”
While the team has not been performing at its best level in the last few days, Araujo was still optimistic of their chances:
“I expect a great season. There are always ups and downs; we must be strong, keep working, and believe that we have a great team. I hope to be able to lift the most important titles at the end of the season.”
Lastly, the Uruguayan also named the player that he looks up to as an inspiration:
“Carles is a role model for me and for those who play in defense, especially at Barça. He’s the example I want to follow, and it’s what we should all aspire to. As captain, he conveyed the club’s values as I would like to do. I have a good relationship with him; sometimes, he sends me messages, and that makes me very happy.”
Araujo has shown his commitment and passion for Barcelona multiple times over his time at the club, and this is one of the qualities he shares with his inspiration, Carles Puyol. Hopefully, he can remain at the club for as long as the former captain did, and win just as many titles with Barcelona.
