Back
Liverpool’s head coach Andoni Iraola chose to have Ronald Araujo join him for the pre Villarreal presser.
It has been great to watch different players get the chance to join Iraola for pre-game news conferences, and yesterday it was Araujo’s turn, and his smile was worth it.
As expected, concerns were raised concerning the possibility of making the loan transfer permanent, and Araujo provided an honest response without closing any doors either way.
“I knew how big the club was but when I got here I saw how gigantic it is in terms of dimension, structure and fan support,” Araujo said in a news conference before Tuesday’s Champions League game against Villarreal at Anfield as quoted by the BBC Sports News.
“I’m very happy that I’ve been welcomed in as just another player, not just by the people at the club but also by the fans. I’m very grateful to everyone and I want to give back by giving everything always.
“It is too early to talk about these things [signing permanently]. I’m just trying to enjoy every day here. I want to grow, develop and play. I’m really happy to be here.”
Having reached the Champions League quarter-finals with Barcelona in 2023–24, Araujo is keen to “compete for all titles this season”.
“I really do believe we have a great side here,” the Uruguayan added. “We have a team of great players with great potential. The Champions League is a very difficult competition and the knockout games are decided by fine details, but I believe we can compete.
“We know it is a very long season but we are on the right path. We are progressing as a side and we also have the potential to grow.”
From what else Araujo has said, there is little doubt that he is up for the task and is totally committed to this stage of his football career.
Encouraging remarks that have been matched by Araujo’s performances thus far, and if proof was required, the way the Anfield faithful have reacted to him says volumes, for the only thing that wins the hearts of Liverpool supporters is honest effort from the players.
Araujo also discussed how the supporters’ devotion has helped him and his family adjust to their new surroundings in Liverpool.
All excellent news, and now that Araujo has scored his first goal as a Red and is enjoying playing both right-back and center-back.