Ronald Araujo has spoken about his immense motivation to contribute to Liverpool after officially joining the club on loan today.
The Uruguayan defender has moved to the Reds for the 2026/27 season from Barcelona, subject to successful work permit and international transfer certificate approvals.
A three-time La Liga champion with the Catalans, where he was made captain earlier this year, Araujo is now relishing the chance to play in the Premier League.
In his first interview with Liverpoolfc.com, Araujo explained why joining Andoni Iraola's team is the right next step for him, expressed his eagerness to feel the atmosphere of Anfield, and set his sights on winning trophies.
Firstly, Ronald, welcome to Liverpool Football Club. What is it like to be here?
“I can't wait to get started. I am very, very happy. I’m delighted to be here at this massive club with a rich history. I'm excited to meet my teammates, ready to start playing, and really motivated for work.”
Tell us a bit about the last few days, how this transfer came about and when you found out Liverpool were interested in you?
“To be honest, everything happened very, very quickly. Huge thanks to Liverpool for managing this process so swiftly, reaching out to me and showing their interest. I had a conversation with the sporting director and the manager. Not for a second did I doubt moving here. This is a great club, a great organisation, and it’s an excellent opportunity for me to enjoy football here. I can’t wait to step out onto the pitch and start having fun. As I said, this motivation is real.”
Why was this the right step for you at this stage of your career?
“I feel this was the ideal step for me at this point in my career. I think this move was necessary for me. As soon as I heard about Liverpool's interest, everything fell into place very quickly. Like I said, I’m super happy to be here and looking forward to getting started. I’m thrilled with this interest, and it was the right step at the right time.”
You mentioned that you’ve already spoken with the manager. How did that conversation go, and what does he expect from you this season?
“What struck me most was that the conversation was very sincere, open, and honest. That was great. I was really pleased to speak with him, and it further convinced me that I had to come here. He knows me well, knows what I am capable of, so I think he understands what I can offer both on and off the pitch. I really enjoyed the time we spent chatting; it was fantastic and left me with no doubts about my decision. I also spoke with the sporting director. I can’t wait to get started, and I'm happy I made this choice, with absolutely no doubts.”
This is a new league for you. How do you think you fit into the Premier League?
“Not one bit of doubt. I think my qualities fit perfectly with this league. I believe that the style of play in English football is a great match for my abilities as a player. This is a league I’ve long wanted to play in. It's very, very competitive, and some say—why not?—that it’s the best league in the world. So I am full of enthusiasm, full of hope, and really want to get started.”
As a central defender, the chance to play alongside Virgil van Dijk must be very appealing?
“We all know what a great player Virgil is. He is a real cornerstone for the team, and he serves as a role model and authority for me personally. I can't wait to play alongside him, spend time with him both on and off the pitch. I’m excited about the opportunity and will be keen to learn from him while playing next to him. I believe that, through hard work, we can achieve great things together as a partnership and as a defence.”
You had to choose a new shirt number since Virgil wears number 4. Is there a reason you selected number 33?
“That's a number I like; it’s special to me. Strangely enough, when I first turned professional, I played in that number. But it also has personal significance, linked to my faith, my relationship with Jesus, God, and religion. We discussed this and talked it over with my friends, family, partner, and parents. I’m really happy to wear this number for a variety of reasons.”
It’s been 15 years since the club signed its first Uruguayan player, Luis Suarez. Do you have memories of watching him play for Liverpool?
“Of course, I remember. We adored watching the Premier League, and everyone in Uruguay gets up early to watch the matches. Naturally, in my childhood, I saw Luis performing all those fantastic games for Liverpool. We all know what he achieved and the history he created at this club during his time here. So, it’s just fantastic. From the very first minute after I arrived here, I was being asked about comparisons. I have a good relationship with him; we’re quite close. Literally a few minutes ago, I received a message from him wishing me luck. He said, ‘All the best, you’ve joined a great club, and I wish you all the best during your time here.’”
You’ve never played at Anfield before, but you must know all about it and its reputation?
“Absolutely, I know what a fantastic atmosphere there is. Everyone in football knows how special the atmosphere at Anfield can be on match days. As you said, I’ve never had the chance to play here, but I know what that atmosphere creates, and the pressure the home fans put on visitors. I’m really looking forward to experiencing that for myself, stepping onto the pitch and playing.”
You’ve been in pre-season training at Barcelona. How are you feeling in terms of fitness, and how ready are you for the season?
“After the World Cup, I had a two-week break, but since then, I’ve been doing pre-season training with Barcelona, and honestly, it’s been at a good pace and rhythm. I feel good now, I believe that I’m in shape. Obviously, we have a couple of weeks until the season starts here at Liverpool. That’s exactly what we're working towards. I think I’ll be ready; I think I’ll be in good physical form to start.”
What do you hope to achieve in the upcoming season with Liverpool?
“Without a doubt, the aim is to win trophies, to win. You join a club like Liverpool, and Liverpool is a team that fights on all fronts for all trophies, so we need to compete on all fronts. At such a club, the highest ambitions are set – that’s what we’ll all be doing. That is the main goal for players, and I’m sure it’s a unified goal for everyone at the club, as well as for the fans. Aside from those lofty goals, I’ll be putting everything on the line on the pitch to try and make that a reality.”
And finally, Darwin Nunez has already sent you a message about the Liverpool fans and what to expect from them. What would you like to say to them?
“First of all, before talking about the fans, huge thanks to Darwin for his message. He’s a good friend of mine. We’ve known each other and played together since childhood. He has always had great things to say about Liverpool. When you walk around with Darwin, people always shout his name and all that.
“My message would be this: I’m going to give it my all. I want to work very, very hard. Thank you to the fans for all the messages I’ve already received. I hope to show my best side and bring them joy throughout the season.”
