Thursday was a momentous day for Barcelona, as they sealed the renewal of Ronald Araujo until 2031, thus safeguarding his future at the club.
After all, the player has now become a regular starter under Hansi’s film after Inigo Martínez’s injury and has even shown great signs of returning to his previous level.
The player put pen to paper on the New Deal and was seen joyful on the big occasion. Notably, however, Barcelona did not release any information regarding his release clause having been reduced per the player’s request.
Araujo speaks after his renewal
Speaking to the media after signing his renewal with the club, the Barcelona captain commented on a variety of topics, including the way he felt at the club and his ambitions.
He began by revealing his happiness about the renewal and what it meant to him to stay at his dream club.
“Honestly, I am very happy, thank God. “It is a great feeling to be able to renew my contract with Barcelona for many more years.”
“Happiness, great happiness. “I worked hard to achieve this and I think we were successful and I am very, very happy,” He added.
He also thanked the club for keeping faith in him and how it was a vital factor for him.
“Obviously, the club also trusts me and that is important. It means I’m doing a good job and the work is productive and I’m very happy.”
Spilling the beans on his future ambitions with Barcelona, the Uruguayan defender said:
“I hope to have great years full of titles, that is the most important thing, winning and continuing to grow as a professional. I know how important I am to this team, and I think I can give a lot.”
Revealing his short-term ambitions at the club, he spoke about how the UEFA Champions League was a title he had his eyes on.
“I think we have something pending and that is to win the Champions League and that is the most important goal that we will strive to achieve, for sure.”
“I am very happy. Now I have been here for 6 years. I think that over time, I have won everyone’s love,” He added.
Araujo is one of Barcelona’s main captains and therefore has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. Regarding his role as captain, he said,
“I try to transmit a little of what I have. As I always say, everything is very natural. I try to inspire and encourage and I think that’s important.”
“We have a young but very good team. I hope big and important things come,” He added.
His decision to stay at the club was not an easy one as he was closely linked with a move to Juventus just a few weeks ago. He thanked all parties involved in convincing him to stay and what it meant to him.
“Finally, I thank everyone. I think I feel grateful for all these years. “I always felt the love of the people, even in the streets.”
“They always told me: ‘Stay, stay’ and it was a great feeling. Since I came here, there’s been a lot of love,” He added.
Finally, Araujo spoke about the love he received from fans and thanked them for all their support.
“When I hear in the stadium too, they sing ‘Uruguayan’, it is something that transmits enthusiasm. I am happy, happy because I think the work is going well and I will reflect it to the people. I hope there is much joy to come,” He concluded.
Source: Barça One