‘Make up stories’… Barcelona midfield star hits out at journalists as he addresses Ronald Araujo’s future | OneFootball

FC Barcelona convincingly got past Real Betis in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey with an impressive 5-1 victory. Goals from Gavi, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal helped the Catalan club beat their Andalusian rivals.

It was yet another dominant display from Hansi Flick’s men with the German coach setting them up in an interesting 4-3-3 set-up with Dani Olmo as the false nine and Barcelona played a game that was very close to total football.

Ahead of the game, club captain Ronald Araujo presented the Spanish Super Cup trophy in front of the Montjuic which was in its element last night. This came just hours after it emerged that the Uruguayan had performed a U-turn and decided to stay at Barcelona.

After the game against Betis, goalscorer Gavi was quizzed about the situation surrounding Araujo’s future, and here is what he had to say, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. He said:

“Many journalists make up stories. Araújo wants to stay, and I’m confident he will.”

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

It was a typical Gavi response. The club is in fact trying to build a narrative of the media making up a lot of conjecture that may or may not have truth to it and it comes as no surprise to see a player being defiant in the same stance.

Ultimately, this is an issue that needs to be put to bed. What Araujo adds to the table is quite unique and it is great news that he has decided to commit his future to the club. It is a huge boost of confidence ahead of the rest of the season.

Against Real Betis, making his first high-profile start of the season, the Uruguayan was incredible. He won almost every single duel he competed in, covered the space behind Jules Kounde incredibly, and showed no signs of rust.

It remains to be seen if the Uruguayan defender can retain his fitness going forward. That has often been the issue with the 25-year-old and let’s wait and see how the future plays out for Barcelona, with Araujo as one of their captains.