Club have given the player a break and are offering their full support
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is currently on a break to improve his mental health, and midfielder Pedri has said he is giving his teammate “all the support in the world”.
Araujo has been absent since the start of December, when the club gave him time off to take care of his mental health.
The 26-year-old has reportedly journeyed to Israel on a spiritual retreat. He is visiting Christian holy sites in an effort to regain calm and work through the emotional strain he suffered after facing intense criticism for his costly error against Chelsea.
The incident had a significant impact on him, and those close to the player said he has struggled with the weight since. Pedri said he had already spoken with Araujo privately but felt it was important to express the squad’s feelings.
“It’s not an easy situation,” said Pedri. “I want to give him all the support in the world. He is one of the family. We love him very much, and we need him both on and off the pitch.”
The Chelsea game was not the first time Araujo has faced serious criticism. He was also heavily criticised after an error in Barcelona’s semi-final second-leg match against Inter Milan last season.
Araujo was questioned for an apparent lack of conviction by the media, and the matter was escalated further when fans severely harassed him on social media, requiring the coaching staff to organise some support for him.
Pedri said: “These things happen – there are mistakes on and off the field. We all make mistakes, and we need him because, for me, he’s like a brother. I love him very much and I hope he’s back with us as soon as possible, when he’s well.”
