‘I hope to be in Barcelona for many years to come’ – Araujo keen to extend his stay at Camp Nou
Uruguayan center-back says ‘very happy’ in Catalonia after impressive campaign under Ronald Koeman
Ronald Araujo has expressed his desire to extend his stay in Barcelona, admitting that he hopes to stay at Camp Nou for “many years”.
Araujo signed for Barca from Uruguayan team Boston River for just € 2million in 2018, and made his senior debut a year later in a 4-0 La Liga win over Sevilla.
The 22-year-old rose to the first-team level permanently after Ronald Koeman’s appointment as head coach last summer and has enjoyed an impressive 2020-2021 campaign, but he is now approaching the final two years of his contract.
What was said?
Araujo says he is ready to commit his long-term future for the Blaugrana, but claims to be in the dark when it comes to negotiations on a new contract.
“I am very happy to be in Barcelona, I hope to be here for many years to come and do my best every season,” Araujo said while on an international mission with Uruguay.
“I don’t know much about the renewal, my representative takes care of it.
“I am calm, but I hope I can continue at the club.”
Araujo’s record at Barca
Araujo has racked up 39 appearances in all competitions for Barca to date, with 33 of those outings coming in their final season.
The talented young defender has seen plenty of minutes due to Gerard Pique’s injury absence, and also managed to score two goals while securing a Copa del Rey winner’s medal.
Araujo on Koeman & Ansu
Araujo went on to praise Koeman for giving him the chance to show off his abilities at Camp Nou.
“With me there has always been a good coach-footballer relationship,” he said of the Dutch head coach. “Koeman made me play a lot so I was able to show that I deserved to play.”
Aruajo also reserved special praise for his 18-year-old teammate Ansu Fati, who he hopes can continue to realize his enormous potential with Barca as he matures and develops his full game.
“Ansu is a great player, a spectacular kid, he’s already shown he’s a great player in every game he’s played, he’s a gem of the club and I hope they take good care of him.” , he added.