Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has hit back at damming criticism from his teammate Ilkay Gundogan that followed their elimination from the Champions League.
The Catalan giants crashed out of the competition after a 6-4 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain having been thrashed 4-1 in Tuesday’s chaotic second leg at the Camp Nou.
Having led 3-2 from the reverse fixture, Barcelona looked to be in control of the tie when Raphinha opened the scoring for the hosts after 12 minutes. The game transformed however when Araujo wads shown a straight red card after 29 minutes for hauling back Bradley Bacola as he was running through on goal.
After the game, former Manchester City star Gundogan was scathing in his assessment of the team’s collapse and Araujo’s decision-making in particular.
‘It’s hard to say… But in these crucial moments you have to be sure if you go for the ball,’ Gundogan said.
‘I don’t know if he touches the ball or not. I prefer to concede a goal or even allow a one on one. I don’t know if he got to the ball or not, but give the goalkeeper the opportunity to. stop it, or even give them the goal.
‘Being one less so soon kills you in the game.’
Araujo issued a public apology to Barcelona fans for the sending off but on Friday, firmly hit back a Gundogan’s remarks.
Asked if he was hurt by the German’s comments, the Uruguay international said: ‘I prefer to keep what I think to myself. I have codes and values that must be respected.’
Araujo has established himself as one of the best centre-halves in Europe, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich both interested in signing him.
Barcelona want to extend his current deal which expires in 2026 but the club are under significant financial pressure and are desperate to lower their wage bill.
Asked about talks with the club, Araujo said: ‘There is always talk about the future and proposals. Every year it will be like this, but I am happy in Barcelona, my family is happy.
‘When I go out I am everything and I want Barça to be the same Barça as always. And until the end I will always fight to the death for this shirt.
‘The truth is that it [his contract renewal] is going well. The club has started talks with my agents. We are thinking about these games and what remains of the season. And when the season is over, they will sit down and talk.’
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