Araujo’s confession: “I had anxiety for 18 months, I did not feel good”

Over a month after demanding time off from the club, Ronald Araujo returned to Barcelona's squad. At first, he clocked 10-20 minutes to get used to playing again and find a rhythm. Eight days ago, against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, Hansi Flick made him a starter for the first time since November 25, and the Uruguayan repaid his manager with a goal.

Now, everything seems as good as new in Araujo's career, but he's neither the first nor the last football player (and person, in general) who fights with mental issues. That's why the defender decided to speak out about his situation in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, to send powerful messages and give essential advice to everyone who needs it.

Barca give Araujo indefinite leave

"It was an accumulation of things. I had not been well for a while. I had anxiety for 18 months and it became depression. You try to be strong, maybe because of the roots you have, where you come from, to move forward, but I did not feel good," he started his confession via ESPN.

The dismissal against Chelsea in his last game before the absence was just the last straw. Araujo's troubles were much deeper.

"It was not just related to sport, it was also on a family and personal level. I didn't feel myself and that moment [the red card at Chelsea] served as a click to say: 'Something is happening, I need to ask for help,' the 26-year-old revealed.

He also praised the entire Barcelona, from the president and sporting director to his teammates and head coach, for giving him priceless encouragement during his time off, but also mentioned an unexpected source of support.

"The club were spectacular. I am so grateful to [sporting director] Deco, the president [Joan Laporta] and the boss [Hansi Flick]. From the very first moment, they understood the situation and did everything they could to help me recover."

"My teammates as well, the amount of messages and support I got from them was beautiful, but also from rivals, which surprised me. Players from teams in Italy, Germany ... all praising me for stopping, some because they had passed through similar situations and wished they had done the same but they hadn't had the courage. They said not to feel bad because what I had done was tremendous," Araujo disclosed.

Finally, he pointed out the importance of seeking help, stating that he's a different person after his spiritual journey to Israel.

"I am the type of person that usually keeps everything to myself, but you have to understand there are professionals that can help you, that can give you the tools to manage certain situations. I needed to ask for help and explain what I was going through to be able to recover."

"I have learned a lot in this time. I feel different, happier. I can enjoy what I do, which is play football, and that helps a lot."

"You see things from another point of view. I feel that the worst has now passed. During the time I stopped, I was able to work with professionals, with my family, too, and also [travel] spiritually, which was what I needed. I feel a different person," Araujo concluded.