‘It’s not an easy matter’ — Barcelona vice-captain talks openly about Ronald Araujo’s situation | OneFootball

FC Barcelona suffered a crushing 3–0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps even more than the result, the telling blow was the red card shown to Ronald Araujo.

The Uruguayan, who has had European lapses for three consecutive seasons, has not trained with the team since. Araujo is said to be badly affected, from a mental perspective, and has been given permission by the club to embark on a religious trip to Jerusalem.

After the Eintracht Frankfurt game, Barcelona star Pedri was asked about the extraordinary situation Araujo finds himself in. The Spaniard threw all his weight behind his struggling team-mate. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, he said:

“It’s not an easy matter. I want to send him all the encouragement in the world; I’ve already talked to him privately. He’s one of the family, we love him a lot, and we need him both on and off the pitch.”

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Pedri then went on to speak about his relationship with the Uruguayan, likening him to a brother. He said:

“These things happen; mistakes are made on and off the pitch. We all make them, and we need him because, for me, he’s like a brother. I love him a lot, and I hope he’s back with us as soon as possible, when he’s well.”

This Araujo episode is a constant reminder of the human side of footballers. Araujo has taken heavy criticism for his performances from Barcelona fans in recent months, and it seems to have taken a toll on his mental health.

Now is not the time to point fingers. Instead, it is time for culers around the world to rally behind the Uruguayan and understand the person, Ronald Araujo.

He deserves to take as much time off as he needs. Even if the South American never plays another minute in a Barcelona shirt, he should be remembered for the good he gave the club, not just the three European nightmares.