Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has responded to harsh criticism from his teammate Ilkay Gundogan following their exit from the Champions League.
Barcelona was defeated by Paris Saint-Germain with a score of 6-4, leading to their elimination from the competition after a 4-1 loss in Tuesday’s second leg at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona was leading 3-2 from the previous game and seemed to be in control, but the game changed when Araujo received a straight red card after 29 minutes for pulling back Bradley Bacola as he was heading towards the goal.
After the match, former Manchester City star player Gundogan strongly criticized the team’s collapse and Araujo’s decision-making in particular.
‘It’s hard to say… But in these crucial moments you have to be sure if you go for the ball,’ Gundogan said.
‘I don’t know if he touches the ball or not. I prefer to concede a goal or even allow a one on one. I don’t know if he got to the ball or not, but give the goalkeeper the opportunity to. stop it, or even give them the goal.
‘Being one less so soon kills you in the game.’
Araujo publicly apologized to Barcelona fans for the sending off but on Friday, he strongly responded to Gundogan’s remarks.
When asked if he was affected by the German’s comments, the Uruguay international said: ‘I prefer to keep what I think to myself. I have codes and values that must be respected.’
Araujo has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich both showing interest in signing him.
Barcelona wants to extend his current contract, which ends in 2026, but the club is facing significant financial pressure and is eager to reduce their wage bill.
When asked about discussions with the club, Araujo said: ‘There is always talk about the future and proposals. Every year it will be like this, but I am happy in Barcelona, my family is happy.
‘When I go out I am everything and I want Barça to be the same Barça as always. And until the end I will always fight to the death for this shirt.
‘The truth is that it [his contract renewal] is going well. The club has started talks with my agents. We are thinking about these games and what remains of the season. And when the season is over, they will sit down and talk.’
