JAKARTA - Araujo shared a story about his mental health condition that made him take a leave of absence from Barcelona after being sent off the field in the Champions League defeat against Chelsea earlier this season.
At that time, he felt like a different person and realized that he needed help. The Uruguayan player said that the moment at Stamford Bridge was when he realized that he needed to seek support from professionals.
"It was the accumulation of many things. I have been unwell for a long time. I have been anxious for 18 months and it has become depression."
"You try to be strong, maybe because of the roots you have, where you come from, to keep going, but I don't feel good."
"This is not just related to sports, but also family and personal problems. I don't feel like myself and that moment (the red card at Chelsea) was the trigger to say something is happening, I need to ask for help."
"I'm the type of person who usually keeps everything to myself, but you have to understand that there are professionals who can help you, who can give you tools to manage certain situations."
"I need to ask for help and explain what I'm going through so that I can recover," Araujo told Mundo Deportivo.
During his break, Araujo visited religious sites in Bethlehem and Jerusalem and spent time in Uruguay with his family.
He returned to training with Barcelona in January 2026, making four substitute appearances that month before scoring on his first start in last week's 2-1 Copa del Rey quarterfinal win at home to Albacete.
"I have learned a lot during this time. I feel different, happier. I can enjoy what I do, which is playing football, and that helps a lot."
"You see everything from a different point of view. I feel that the worst is over."
"During the break, I was able to work with professionals, as well as with my family, and also (travel) spiritually, which is what I needed. I feel like a different person," he said.
Araujo also thanked the club for their support, while revealing that he had received many messages from other players who were in a similar situation.
"The club is incredible. I am very grateful to (Sports Director) Deco, the President (Joan Laporta) and the Manager (Hansi Flick)."
"From the first moment, they understood the situation and did everything they could to help me recover."
"My teammates as well, the number of messages and support I received from them was incredible, but also from rivals, which surprised me."
"Players from teams in Italy, Germany, everyone praised me for stopping. Some because they've been in similar situations and wish they'd done the same thing, but they didn't have the courage."
"They said not to feel bad because what I've done is incredible," he said.
Araujo has been at Barcelona since 2018, initially joining the B team before being promoted to the first team.
He then made 195 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring 14 goals, and is now part of a group of captains with Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri.
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