Araujo on what Xavi told him ahead of Las Palmas move

UD Las Palmas' new right-back, Mexican international Julián Araujo, revealed on Wednesday at his presentation that FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández recommended he play on loan at the island team because it was "the best option" for him to "grow".

Araujo, on loan from FC Barcelona until 30 June 2024, also spoke to the Gran Canaria coach, García Pimienta, about the model of play, which is "similar to Barça", so he is "convinced that this was the place". "I'm very happy to be here, eager to start, it was worth coming after weeks of talking, and I'm grateful to Barcelona and my representatives for closing the deal," he added.

The new yellow footballer arrives to "grow" and "learn", because he is a "very young" player - on August 13th he will be 22 years old - who intends to "improve" and leave in Unión Deportiva having found his "best version".

He considers himself a "two-way" full-back, although he does not forget that his first job is to "defend", but he believes that he can also "help in attack with assists and goals".

Araujo also had a conversation with Pedri, who spoke "very well" about both the club and the island, and that helped him to make up his mind.

The player, born in California (United States) but capped ten times by Mexico, has Jordi Alba as his idol, and has chosen the number 28 as a tribute to two of his brothers, who are celebrating their 28th birthday.