Ronald Araujo has grown into one of the finest center-backs in La Liga, with the Uruguayan international regarded as untouchable by Barcelona. After graduating from Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, Araujo has become a mainstay in Barcelona’s defense, and his status at the club continues to rise.
His rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, with the Uruguayan defender attracting the interest of top clubs around Europe, including Bayern Munich. Despite these interests, Ronald Araujo is keen to stay at Barcelona, citing his admiration for a particular club legend as a reason he wishes to stay at the club for a long time.
Ronald Araujo discloses his admiration for Barca legend
Ronald Araujo is one of the fastest-rising defenders in the world. The Uruguayan defender has established himself as a key player for Barcelona and the Uruguay national team, earning himself some plaudits in the press over the past few seasons.
As a La Masia graduate, Ronald Araujo understands the importance of loyalty to the club, and the young defender has revealed Carles Puyol as his inspiration to remain at the club for the long term.
“Carles is a reference for me and for those of us who play defense, even more so at Barca. He is the example that I want to follow and that we should all follow. As captain, he transmitted the values of the club as I would like to do,” Araujo said.
On his relationship with Puyol, Araujo said, “I have a good relationship with him. Sometimes, he writes to me, and that makes me very happy.”
Araujo has been a good servant to Barcelona, despite being only 24. He has made 15 appearances in all competitions for the Catalan giants this season, captaining the team on four occasions.
Ronald Araujo to Bayern Munich rumors
Bayern Munich have verbally expressed their interest in signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo next summer. The Bavarians contacted the Catalan club to register their interest in the player ahead of next summer’s transfer window.
However, reports in Spain claim the reigning Bundesliga champions were immediately knocked off, with Barca regarding Araujo as ‘untouchable.’
Araujo has been a key player for Barcelona since the start of last season, with Xavi even entrusting the young defender to captain the club a few times this season. The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries, which have limited him to only 15 appearances in all competitions this campaign.
After a great start to the season, Barcelona have seen a decline in form, with the Catalan club losing their last UCL match to Royal Antwerp a few days after losing 4-2 to Girona at home in the league, thanks to a goal from former defender Valery Fernandez.
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