Ronald Araujo: Messi will always be welcome
The Uruguayan defender hopes that Leo Messi comes back to Camp Nou
Ronald Araujo has been one of Barça's most outstanding players this season and a fundamental part of Xavi's side winning the league title with only thirteen goals conceded. The Uruguayan is clear that one of the keys to success has been that "we have managed to be a family, with youngsters and veterans and that has been very important. We have also had a great season defensively. It's spectacular to have conceded only 13 goals, especially coming from previous seasons in which we always conceded", he said in an interview with Radio Sport 890 of Uruguay.
The centre-back, who denied that the way he celebrated the title at the RCDE Stadium was a provocation, spoke about his duels with Vinicius and his position at full-back in games against Real Madrid. "Where I give 100 per cent is at centre-back, but whenever the coach asks me to play at full-back I'll do it and I'll try to give my best. I did it against Vinicus and also against United. I'm used when there's a winger who can make a difference. Vini is the best in one-on-ones, those duels add up and are good to keeping growing. You have to be very focused the whole game because he makes a lot of changes of pace, he goes from zero to one hundred very quickly".
The Uruguayan was praised on Wednesday by Marcelo Bielsa at his presentation as the new Uruguayan coach. "Xavi has imagined him as the most effective antidote for the best winger in the world and he wasn't wrong. He uses him to solve the most difficult things," said Bielsa, who will count on Araujo in June in his first call-up.
The Blaugrana defender was called up by his national team for the World Cup in Qatar but was unable to play as he was still recovering from injury. "It wasn't a mistake to go to the World Cup. We were just finishing our recovery and I was convinced that if we got through the group stage, I would have been able to play. I was ready to be able to play and contribute," he said.
He also spoke about his current contract. He has no fears about not being able to be registered yet. "I have a contract until 2026, the renewal contract has not been registered yet, but it will be resolved soon. I'm only thinking about staying at Barça," he said.
Busquets and Messi
He also praised Sergio Busquets, who will leave Barça at the end of the season: "Busi is an extraordinary player, as a player and as a person. He is our captain and always supports us, for me he is one of the best centre midfielders in the history of football".
And he said a few words about the possible return of Leo Messi. "We don't talk about it in the dressing room, but a player like him will always be welcome and even more so at Barça."
And a final word on Real Madrid's defeat to Manchester City. It doesn't change anything for us, we're happy for the league and for the great season we've had".
