Ronald Araujo, Liverpool's new defensive recruit, has revealed that his childhood admiration for fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez played a significant role in his decision to join the Reds. The 27-year-old centre-back arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan from Barcelona, with the Merseyside club holding a €55 million (£47 million) option to make the move permanent.
Araujo's Uruguayan connection to Liverpool
Araujo, who has been with Barcelona since 2018 and made 213 appearances for the Catalan giants, winning three La Liga titles, grew up watching Suarez's exploits at Liverpool between 2011 and 2014. In his first interview as a Liverpool player, Araujo described how Suarez's performances inspired him and many others in Uruguay.
“Of course I did,” Araujo said when asked if he followed Suarez during his time at Anfield. “We loved watching the English Premier League and everyone in Uruguay gets up early in the morning to catch the games. Of course as a kid I used to watch Luis playing all those fantastic games for Liverpool. We all know what he achieved, the history that he made within this club during his time here. So it’s fantastic.”
Suarez's personal message to Araujo
Araujo also revealed that he maintains a close relationship with Suarez, who sent him a good luck message just before the move was completed. “From minute one, I’ve been sort of asked about that kind of comparison since I’ve arrived here. I get on really well with him, we’re quite close. Just a few minutes ago I got a good luck message from him saying all the best, you’ve joined a great club and all the very best for your time here.”
The defender's arrival comes as Liverpool reshapes its defence following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid. Araujo, who made 38 appearances in all competitions last season for Barcelona, is expected to fill the void left by the Frenchman.
Araujo's excitement and motivation
Expressing his enthusiasm, Araujo said: “I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy. I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going.”
He added: “I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take. As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly. As I say, I’m super-happy to be here and excited to get started. I’m glad about the interest and it was the right move at the right time.”
Upcoming fixtures for Liverpool
Liverpool have a pre-season friendly against Como on Saturday before kicking off their Premier League campaign at Newcastle on August 23. Araujo is expected to feature in both matches as he integrates into the squad.
