“It was the best decision I could make” – Ronald Araujo extends his contract with Barcelona till 2026
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Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has turned down approaches from Premier League clubs to stay at Barcelona until 2026. The Uruguayan international is a strong leader under Xavi’s project and is expected the carry forward the legacy of Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol at the Catalan Club.
After signing a new contract, Barca center-back Ronald Araujo has been talking to the Mundo Deportivo and Sport newspapers. Here is a selection of what the Uruguayan had to say:
“I am very happy because it’s the result of a lot of work. There were a lot of talks, but most of that was on the outside. My intention was always to say here and that’s what I told my agent. The negotiations went well. It was all sorted out in just two meetings,” said Araujo.
“I got several offers from big teams. But I always said I wanted to stay here and wanted a quick settlement,” added the Uruguayan.
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Ronald Araujo recalls his first trip to Barcelona, also shares what he has learned from Gerard Pique
In the same interview, Araujo recalled his first trip to Barcelona and how he made his decision of choosing the Catalan club amidst many other contracts. He mentioned that picking Barcelona over others was the “best decision” that he ever made in his life.
“I was at a small club. I was hoping to go to one of the big clubs in Uruguay or elsewhere in South America. I’d have settled for that. But one Thursday when I was getting ready for a game with Peñarol, my agent called me from Europe and told me to come quick, without telling me where. The Sunday after, I flew to Madrid. I had some big offers, but I was also told that Barça wanted me for their reserves. And Barça is Barça. It was the best decision I could make at that time,” said Araujo.
Araujo also threw light on his relationship with Pique and revealed that he has always admired the Spanish center-back. Calling him “one of his role models,” the Uruguayan further highlighted that he has learned a lot from him.
“You learn a lot from him. He’s one of my role models. I’ve admired him a lot since I came to this club. He’s not so fast, but he’s smart. He is always in the right position and passes the ball out well. He’s one of the best center-backs in the world. He’s won everything, even the World Cup. My time playing alongside him has been great and I have tried to make the most of the chance,” concluded the Barcelona player.
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Sujeeth Shetty
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