Ronald Araujo made a media appearance recently, talking about his favourite position on the pitch while confirming that his contract situation could soon be resolved.
With 31 competitive appearances this season, Araujo has emerged as one of the most reliable defensive options for Barcelona. His contributions at the back have been critical in helping the club register the best defensive record in La Liga.
But there have been countless speculations on Araujo’s future, due to his ongoing contract situation. Even though the defender had signed a contract extension last year, it has not been ratified by La Liga due to Barcelona’s economic distress.
Araujo, though, is confident the situation can be resolved soon. “I don’t think the renewal contract has been officially confirmed & registered, but it will be done soon. I’m very happy here,” Araujo said in a recent interview (h/t Montevideo Portal).
Araujo went on to talk about Barcelona’s La Liga campaign this season, adding, “La Liga? We had a good gap but we wanted to win the title quickly. We were able to play against Espanyol, which is the derby, and the Barça fans have a lot of rivalry. It was great to win it there.”
Talking about the controversy at the Espanyol game, the defender further added, “We were just celebrating, as champions usually do, and without any intention of disrespecting Espanyol fans.
“We were just celebrating because we were champions. When we saw the fans coming in we ran because you’re not going to face each other in the middle of the pitch. You’re in an open field and they can hit you from anywhere,” he said.
The Uruguayan international has been a great servant for coach Xavi throughout the course of the campaign.
Talking about Barcelona’s defensive record in La Liga, he said, “Sensational, and even more so knowing how we came from last season when rivals scored a lot against us. To win a game we always had to score more than two. It was important this season that we didn’t concede too many goals.”
Despite his success, though, it appears Araujo does not exactly enjoy playing in the right-back position for Barcelona.
“Whenever the coach asks me to play in the right-back spot, I will do it and I will do my best, but the position in which I feel most comfortable is the centre-back spot. I’m a defender and everyone knows that it’s where I feel most comfortable,” he said when asked about his ventures in the new position this season.
The defender’s comments come on the back of widespread criticism regarding Barcelona’s right-back area, which is seriously lacking depth.
With no recognised options available at Xavi’s disposal, it appears Barcelona are banking on the versatility of Araujo, Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde next season. However, they have been linked with quite a few right-backs lately, including Dutchman Lutsharel Geertruida.
It must be mentioned that Araujo became synonymous with the right-back position due to his great rivalry with Vinicius Junior. The defender wasn’t shy in praising the Brazilian either, stating, “For me, he is the best 1v1 player in the world. He generates those duels that help and are important for his team.”
“Vinicius has that physical ability to go from 0 to 100 very quickly and you have to be very focused when you play against him. When I play against Vinicius I have to be focused the whole game because he is a very dynamic player and he makes a lot of runs and keeps changing his rhythm at all times,” he added.
Araujo praised his Barcelona teammate Robert Lewandowski as well. “He has a lot of quality. We already know the quality he has to score goals. We knew he was going to bring a lot to us,” he said.
Araujo also pointed out Barcelona’s ‘close group’, adding how there is a mix of youth and experience in the team despite Sergio Busquets’ impending exit.
“We are a very close group, which is very important, both those who play regularly and the substitutes. Also the young players & the veterans,” said the defender, who is likely to be ruled out of the upcoming game against Real Sociedad due to discomfort.
Finally, the Uruguayan international pledged his future at Barcelona while expressing his desire to see Lionel Messi return to the squad.
“I’m under contract here at Barça until June 2026 but there’s also a chance to extend the agreement. I’m very happy here,” he said. “Messi’s return? He’s always welcome here”.
