Barcelona legend shows support to Ronald Araujo amid difficult situation – ‘Club is doing the right thing’ | OneFootball

Barcelona have been in a delicate spot involving Ronald Araujo, whose absence from the team has sparked discussion in recent weeks. 

The Uruguayan defender has not played since his sending-off against Chelsea, a mistake that drew heavy criticism and reopened wounds tied to previous high-profile errors against PSG, Inter Milan and, most recently, Chelsea. 

For Barça, the situation has become a priority not simply in sporting terms, but in ensuring that Araujo receives the psychological support he needs during what is clearly a difficult period.

Pique supports Araujo

Former Barcelona captain Gerard Pique has stepped forward to defend Araujo and highlight the importance of addressing mental health in football. 

Speaking to Sport, Pique emphasised how vital it is that the club protect their players from the damaging effects of public hostility. 

He reflected on how slow football has been to acknowledge psychological well-being.

“We have to take care of our mental health. There is more and more talk about the subject, and I think it’s good that people are becoming more aware. 

“Sport has always been slower to address these issues. I remember the days of racism, violence in stadiums. 

Ronald Araujo is dealing with mental stress. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“At the fan level, it’s as if we in football were the last to adapt to the times. We have to stop being a free-for-all world where anyone can insult or do whatever they want.”

Experience is a truer guide

Pique also drew on his own painful experiences with the Spanish national team, when he faced relentless booing during the Catalan independence process. 

Offering personal context, he explained, “I remember I experienced that when I went to the national team, and you have to put on a thick skin. 

“There comes a point where it’s not healthy anymore, where you don’t care what people say, but it’s the only way to preserve your mental health.”

Turning back to Araujo, Pique praised the defender for acknowledging his struggles and taking steps to address them. He said,

“In this case, Ronald (Araujo) has raised his hand and said enough is enough, and I think the club is doing the right thing by listening to him and giving him the time he needs. 

“I think all football fans in Spain should reflect a little,” he concluded.