Maxi Araújo plays down Sporting and admits: First objective... | OneFootball

Maxi Araújo is already focused on the World Cup. Although the list of selected players will only be announced on June 1, the Sporting player is seen as an important piece in coach Marcelo Bielsa's plans. Already back on Uruguayan soil, he named his favorites to win the competition and, among them, did not hesitate to include Portugal.

Speaking to Sport TV, the lions' player made Uruguay’s first objective clear: “We are in a group with Spain, so it will be very difficult, and our first objective is qualification.” “Spain are one of the favorites, just like Portugal, France and Argentina,” highlighted the 26-year-old winger.

Admitting that representing his nation will be one of the “most important things” he has achieved in his life, the South American also emphasized the role of La Celeste in the tournament. “The shirt carries weight because we were champions a long time ago (1930 in Uruguay and 1950 in Brazil). Our team is always important at World Cups and we will give our all".

Proud of his career, the left-footed player said that representing his country had always been a childhood dream, especially alongside his greatest role model: “It was something I dreamed of from a very young age and I managed to play for the national team with my idol, Luis Suárez”.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.