During Uruguay's preparation for their friendly against India, Araujo was interviewed by the official media of the Uruguayan Football Association. He spoke about the regret of participating in two World Cups without playing, his adaptation to Liverpool, his experience working with new coach Forlán, and his relationship with Núñez and his family life. This article is the second part of the interview.

Other parts of the interview

R. Araujo: It's tough not being able to play in two World Cups; I'm very comfortable at Liverpool

R. Araujo: I have to take responsibility and become one of the team leaders, and Forlán has also given me confidence

You came from Rivera, played for clubs like Boston River and Rentistas, and also played for Barcelona on the biggest stages. Now, facing players who are just starting out, such as Mourinho, Bernal, and Juan Rodríguez, how do you view your role? Do you naturally go over and talk to them, try to support them, or help them build confidence?

Yes, because I've been through all of this myself. When you first come to the Uruguayan national team, or when you first join the first team of the club you play for, there are always older players who welcome you and make you feel comfortable. So I also try to do that for the players who are new to the Uruguayan national team.

Now I have more experience than before, and I will try to help them feel comfortable here.

And it's actually easier to do that here, right? Because when we wear this jersey, everyone has that desire, everyone wants to perform their best for the Uruguayan national team. So I think it's easier for everyone to integrate into the team.

I just mentioned Mourinho; one of his characteristics is that he can play both as a center-back and a full-back. Have you talked to him? He's currently playing in Spain, and he's quite similar to you in terms of characteristics and the power he displays when playing. Have you talked about these things?

No, we haven't talked about football. However, Santi is a very good player. I watch a lot of football matches across all leagues, I'm always watching games. So I also watch his matches.

We all know what a good player he is. I hope he can also help us with his performance in the Uruguayan national team and show what he's capable of. We know he's a very good player. But he's also just arrived here. I believe he will definitely bring us joy.

Do you remember who approached you when you first joined the Uruguayan national team? Do you remember any specific person? Maybe not the first or second, but you might think: "When I first came, there was someone who really supported me, encouraged me, and made me feel welcome."

Suárez, because I was already with him at Barcelona. During the time I was about to get called up, he had already talked to me a lot. Later, when I came to the Uruguayan national team, I met Diego Godín. For me, Godín was a great example of a captain, and in that regard, he was also someone I always tried to learn from. From the beginning, he made me feel like I was already part of the Uruguayan national team. What he conveyed to everyone back then was truly excellent. I learned a lot from him. Of course, I am very grateful for the help he gave me when I first joined the team.

Whether in Japan or South Korea, the enthusiasm you generated was amazing. I don't know if you realize it, or if you had time to compare with other teammates' situations, but whether at the airport, hotel, stadium, or training ground, there were people everywhere wearing your Liverpool and Barcelona jerseys, shouting "Ronald, Ronald," "R. Araujo, R. Araujo, R. Araujo." Do you realize you have such an impact? Or have you gotten used to it?

Sometimes, facing these lively scenes, people slowly start to take things for granted. But I think it shouldn't be that way; instead, one should enjoy all of it. To be honest, I am very grateful. Thank you to everyone who showed me love when we visited Japan and South Korea, and also thank you for the love everyone has shown me since we arrived in India. I can feel it, I can feel everyone's love for me. Thank you very much.

I particularly want to say that during this international break, no matter where we went, facing these fans, you would take time to stop and sign autographs and take photos when arriving at and leaving the training ground. From the sidelines, it's truly impressive to see how their facial expressions change when you approach them and when they get that photo with you. Can you feel that yourself? Can you feel that energy?

Yes, yes. I always say that we are in a very fortunate position, with great influence on many people and many children. I've always seen it this way because I was a football fan since I was little. So if I met a football player, I would also want to take a picture with him and get his autograph.

So you have to understand that, right? If you were in their shoes, you would want those things too. That's how I see it, and I always try to get close to them, take pictures with them, and sometimes sign a jersey. That's how it is. I am very grateful, very grateful, because from these things, you can somehow see the results of your hard work and feel everyone's love.

Just before this interview, Núñez was here; you were with him, talking to him, and you're always together. You're like a brother to him. How do you feel seeing him finally shed that burden and start scoring goals again? What do you think about it?

I think I'm not just his brother, but more like his father, right? Because I have to take him everywhere. To be honest, it's very beautiful, very beautiful. I truly felt that he was carrying such a burden. This is also normal; I think strikers always feel the pressure to score goals.

It's really a shame to see how he trains, how he works hard, how much effort he puts in, yet he couldn't put the ball in the net for a long time. Because Darwin is not just about scoring goals; he also fights hard, fully commits to the game, and actively presses. If you watch his pressing, you'll find it's truly excellent.

For us defenders, this makes our job much easier. Because the opponent is pressured when playing out from the back, it's not so easy for them to push all the way to midfield and get to us center-backs. So I am very happy for him because he has put in a lot of effort, hoping to help the Uruguayan national team and help us. I hope this will be the start of a wonderful period. As I just said, I believe it will be.

I often talk to Darwin. One thing I always tell him is: "Don't rush, don't rush. That moment will come, and we will bring joy to everyone who supports us."

I strongly believe in our current team. We have a very excellent team, both in terms of everyone's character and footballing ability. I think everyone has seen a bit of this in these few matches. We still have a lot to offer and a lot to bring to the Uruguayan national team.

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