Ronald Araujo had to take a sabbatical from playing for Barcelona due to mental health problems. Now, mental health has been an issue among many athletes.
Also, when a player plays for a club as big as Barcelona, there will be tremendous outside pressure. That is why many players struggle to perform in such big European clubs.
So, after a bad outing against Chelsea in the Champions League last season, where Barcelona lost by 3-0, Araujo decided to take a step back.
The Uruguayan decided that he would take some time off to take care of his mental health. And, Barcelona allowed Araujo the space he wanted.
Now, during an interview, Araujo has revealed what led him to take such a bold decision at the peak of his career.
“One day I was drinking mate with my wife when I saw her face change as she looked at her phone — then she started crying.
“I asked her what happened, and she told me: ‘I don’t understand how cruel people can be, they’re wishing DEATH on our daughters.’
“When things reach that point, you start rethinking many things and realize how crazy society can be, especially on social media.
“It might not hit you directly, but your family suffers — your mother, your wife, your siblings.
“Of course, they have to learn to deal with it because this is the world we live in today, unfortunately. But it’s very hard when it touches your family.”
After taking some time off, Araujo returned to action for Barcelona. He started his first game since November last year against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
The Catalan club easily won the game and progressed to the next round. Barcelona will next face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey Quarter-final on Thursday.
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