Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Uruguayan Ronald Araújo is filled with anticipation:
“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.”
The process of the signing was something of a whirlwind:
“It happened really, really quickly, to be honest with you. It’s a huge thanks to Liverpool for making that process so quick and
for getting in touch and for their interest. I had a conversation with the sporting director and also the coach. I had no doubts for a second about coming here. It’s a great club, a great institution and it’s a great opportunity for me to enjoy my football here. I can’t wait to get out on the field and start enjoying myself. As I say, that motivation is really there.”
The loan itself comes at a good time for Araújo, who played 24 matches for Barcelona last season:
“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.”
He also feels his skillset will be well-suited for the Premier League:
“I think my attributes will suit this league down to the ground. I think the style of play in the English league should be perfect for my qualities as a player. It’s a league I’ve wanted to play in for a long time. It’s very, very competitive and some say — and why not? — it’s the best league in the world. So, I’m full of excitement, I’m full of hope, really wanting to get started, for sure.”
The seasoned defender got a good first impression of his new head coach, Andoni Iraola:
“The first thing that struck me is that it was a very sincere, frank and honest conversation. It was great. I was very happy to have that chat with him and it made it even more plain that I should be coming here. He knows me well, he knows what I’m capable of doing, so I think he knows what I can provide both on the field and off it. I loved our time together that we had [in] the chat, it was great and left me with no doubt, as I said. I spoke also to the director of football. Again, I just can’t wait to get started and I’m happy to have made this decision, there was no doubt at all.”
Similarly, he looks forward to a potential partnership with everyone’s favorite defender, Liverpool and Dutch captain Virgil Van Dijk:
“We all know what a great player Virgil is. He’s a real reference point for the team and he’s a kind of role model and reference for me personally as well. I’m looking forward to lining up alongside him hopefully and spending time with him both on the field and off it as well. I am excited to have that opportunity and enjoy learning from him, playing alongside him. With hard work, I think we can achieve good things together as a partnership and as a defence.”
Though he has not played at Anfield, Araújo is aware of the power of his new home ground:
“Of course I’m aware of what a fantastic atmosphere it is. Everyone in the game knows just how special the atmosphere is on a matchday at Anfield. I’ve never had the chance to play here, as you say, but I’m aware of the kind of atmosphere that’s generated and the pressure that the home fans build up on visitors coming here. I’m excited to get the chance to experience that for myself and get out there and play.”
“Off the back of the World Cup, I had two weeks’ break but since then I’ve been in pre-season training with Barcelona and, to be fair, that’s been a decent pace and rhythm. I’m feeling good at the moment, I’m feeling in shape. Obviously, we’ve still got almost a couple of weeks now before the league season starts here at Liverpool. That’s what we’re working for. I think I’ll be ready, I think I’ll be in good physical shape to be ready to make a start.”
His message to the fans?
“My message would be: I’m going to give my best. I want to work really, really hard. Thanks to the fans for the messages I’ve received already. I hope to do my best and do well for them throughout the season.”
