Q&ARonald Araujo interview: LFC ambitions, 'role model' Van Dijk and Anfield excitement
Ronald Araujo described his huge motivation to be impactful for Liverpool after joining the club on loan today.
The Uruguay defender has made a move to the Reds for the 2026-27 season from FC Barcelona, subject to a successful work permit application and international clearance.
Three times a La Liga winner at Barça, for whom he was named captain at the beginning of this year, Araujo is now relishing the chance to play in the Premier League.
Sitting down with Liverpoolfc.com for a first interview, he outlined why linking up with Andoni Iraola’s team is the right next step, stated his anticipation to experience Anfield and targeted trophies.
Read or watch the full Q&A with Araujo below.
Firstly Ronald, a warm welcome to Liverpool FC. How does it feel to be here?
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.
Tell us a little bit about the last few days, how the move came about and when you found out that Liverpool were interested in you?
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.
Why was this the right move for you at this time in your career?
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.
You said you’ve spoken to the coach already. How did that conversation go and what does he expect from you this season?
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.
It’s a new league for you. How do you think you’re suited for the Premier League?
No doubt at all. 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.
And as a centre-back, the chance to play with Virgil van Dijk must be one you’re really looking forward to?
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.
You’ve had to pick a new shirt number because Virgil is our No.4. Is there a reason you’ve chosen No.33 instead?
It’s a number that I like, it’s a number that is special to me. Funnily enough, way back when I made my debut as a professional, that was the number that I was wearing back then. But it has a personal meaning for me as well, it has a meaning which is all to do with my faith and my relationship with Jesus and God and religion. It’s a subject I spoke about and had a good conversation with my friends, my family, my partner and my parents. It’s a number I’m very pleased on a number of levels to be wearing.
It’s 15 years now since we first signed a Uruguayan player, which was Luis Suarez. Do you have any memories of watching him at Liverpool?
Of course I did. 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. 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.
You’ve never played at Anfield before in your career, but you must know all about it and its reputation?
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.
You’ve been in pre-season with Barcelona, so how are you feeling fitness-wise and how ready are you for the season?
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.
What would you like to achieve in this season ahead with Liverpool?
Without a shadow of a doubt, the aim is to win trophies, win things. You come to a club like Liverpool, Liverpool is a team that is competing on all levels for all trophies, so we need to be battling it out on all fronts. You aim high at a club like this – that’s what we’ll all be doing. That’s the main aim of the players and I’m sure it is of everyone at the club and the supporters as well. As well as aiming high, I’ll be giving everything that I can out there on the pitch to try to make that happen.
And just finally, Darwin Nunez has already sent you a message about the Liverpool fans and what to expect from them. What would be your message to them?
First of all, before talking about the fans, a big thank you for the message from Darwin. He’s a good mate of mine. We’ve known each other and played together since we were kids, basically. He’s always spoken highly of Liverpool, for sure. When you’re out with Darwin, people are always shouting his name and things like that. He’s told me about how the fans would recognise him and say, ‘Nunez, Nunez!’
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.