Araujo: I never doubted that I belong here, I believe in Barcelona and the project

Ronald Araujo has spoken about his delight after signing a new Barcelona contract until June 2026.

Barcelona held a behind-closed-doors ceremony with the club's media, and the 22-year-old started by thanking his loved ones for helping him reach this point.

"I want to thank my parents and my wife," said Araujo.

"We have gone through a lot.

"My parents have made a lot of sacrifices, but they have paid off. This is very important to us.

The Uruguayan central defender stated that he always knew that his future was at Barcelona.

"I never doubted that I belong here, I believe in the club and the project," explained Araujo.

"There were other offers, but we reached an agreement very quickly.

"Xavi [Hernandez] has been important, and I also spoke to other players.

"I always thought that I would stay, and I hope that we win many titles."

Laporta's comments

Araujo was joined by Joan Laporta, and the Barcelona president was full of praise for the Uruguayan.

"I want to thank [Araujo]," stated Laporta.

"He is a player that many clubs want, he is a great player with great talent.

"But, also, he gives us character and commitment: he has the desire and enthusiasm to win."

Laporta went on to state that the project is coming together and that he hopes it will bring a lot of success for the club in the coming years.

"The sporting project is being consolidated in circumstances that aren't easy," said Laporta.

"We have the base, with those from the youth system, with Ferran Torres.

"These are young guys, with character and personality.

"I hope that the new era will be extremely successful."