Barcelona star quits due to psychological crisis

Araujo asked to retire from the game due to a psychological crisis.

On the morning of December 1, Araujo's representative was present at the Barcelona training center to meet with the board of directors. The meeting was organized with the aim of helping the Uruguayan midfielder overcome the mental crisis after a period of criticism, especially the red card against Chelsea in the Champions League.

Araujo was at the training base but did not train with his teammates. In a press conference, coach Hansi Flick said briefly but clearly: "Ronald is not ready to play. This is a personal matter and I hope everyone respects that." This means he will not play against Atletico Madrid and the time of his return is still unknown.

According to sources at the meeting, Araujo asked for an unspecified period of time off to recover mentally. His physical condition was fine, but his emotional state was not.

The pressure of his red card at Stamford Bridge was just the tip of the iceberg of the difficulties Araujo has faced in recent weeks, with the team being down a man in a crucial game hitting him hard and drawing a wave of criticism.

Araujo’s representatives were at the club to offer moral support to the 26-year-old. The dressing room also sent a clear message: they were on his side and respected his decision to leave. The board understood that unity was more important than any game, as Araujo was one of the captains and a key cog in the defence.

Araujo missed last week's game, initially reported by Barca as having a stomach bug. However, he has not trained since being sent off in London. The incident was a huge psychological blow, forcing him to take a break to recover. Barcelona hope the Uruguayan centre-back can get over this period and come back stronger.

Source: https://znews.vn/sao-barcelona-xin-nghi-thi-dau-vi-khung-hoang-tam-ly-post1607786.html