Laporta Expresses Lifelong Renewal Desire for Araujo as Barça Unveils Barça One Streaming Platform

President Joan Laporta revealed on Wednesday that, if it were up to him, he would extend Ronald Araujo’s contract “for life.” Laporta made these remarks during the presentation of the documentary “Orígens | Araujo.” In recent weeks, speculations linked the future of the Uruguayan center-back to clubs like Bayern Munich, willing to pay a substantial sum for the defender. To quash the rumors, Laporta stated, “As for me, I would renew him for life.”

Laporta, accompanied by Vice President of Institutional Area Elena Fort and Vice President Rafael Yuste, arrived at Espai Texas, located at Bailèn 205. Several members of the Barcelona squad, including Joao Félix, Raphinha, Joao Cancelo, and Gavi, supported Araujo. Also in attendance for the documentary, which will be available on the new platform ‘Barça One,’ were coach Xavi Hernández, Director of Football Area Deco, and former player and coach Sergi Barjuan.

Araujo signed his latest renewal with FC Barcelona on April 29, 2022, committing until June 30, 2026, with a release clause of €1 billion.

Following the documentary viewing, Araujo expressed, “It was something very beautiful, a very nice experience to see my family, discover a bit of my origins, open my home – I don’t really do that for anyone – see my land, see what we were like when we were little… I think it will be a very nice documentary because it conveys many messages. I show what I am and what I was when I was younger.”

He added, “What surprised me the most was seeing my parents speak because they talk very little… I don’t let them talk much with the press, honestly. But it was the first time the cameras were there, and seeing them speak made me laugh a lot.”

Discussing his origins, the Uruguayan emphasized, “My origins mean a lot to me. It’s my home, my land, my friends… They were very family-oriented. Football happened to me very quickly. At 16-17, I started playing in an almost professional team, and until that age, I was at home with my parents and my family. That’s why my home is what I long for the most and what I love the most.”

Regarding the team’s current situation, Araujo commented, “Despite the injuries, we have a good team and a great group of people. We started the season with the possibility of four titles and still have two important ones. We will give our all in the remaining season. We have high expectations and responsibility against Napoli. We deserved to win in the first leg, and we will go for everything with our fans. Winning the Champions League is a dream. We have to take it step by step, but it is the great goal for all of us.”