Ronald Araujo talks about the difficult psychological state he recently went through!

In an exclusive and revealing interview with Mundo Deportivo, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo opened up about a prolonged and hidden personal struggle.

"For a year and a half, I lived with an anxiety disorder, which developed into depression. And I kept playing in that state," Araújo confessed. The player detailed how he had concealed his condition from those around him, feeling compelled to uphold the public image of a strong, unshakable athlete.

He described a profound sense of losing himself, not only on the football pitch but in his personal life as well. A breaking point arrived after he received a red card in a match against Chelsea in London on November 25th. That moment, Araújo said, made him realize he could no longer manage alone and needed to seek professional help.

The centre-back emphasized that his story should serve to remind others that footballers are people above all else. "We are not just about money and fame. We suffer too," he stated. "I’m the type who is used to keeping everything inside, but it’s important to raise your hand in time and admit: something is happening to me, I need professionals."

Following a necessary break and a course of work with psychologists, Araújo made his return to the squad, even marking the comeback with a goal in a match against Albacete.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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