BARCELONA-. The Uruguayan central Barcelona Ronald Araujo responded to criticism from his teammate Ilkay Gundogan about his expulsion in the match Champions against Paris Saint-Germainthat he has “codes and values” that he respects.
“I prefer to keep what I think to myself. I think I have codes and values that I think must be respected,” Araujo said this Thursday during the presentation of the 19th edition of the book “Relatos solidarios del sport“, of which he is one of the godfathers.
The Uruguayan thus responded to Gundogan's criticism of the action in which he was sent off after the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals against PSG by knocking down Bradley Barcola near the area on Tuesday (29).
“You have to be clear that you will get to the ball. If not, give our goalkeeper the opportunity. Being one man less because of the red so early in the game kills you,” said Gundogan after the match, which PSG won 4 -1 qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals.
“It was a 50/50 play. If the referee doesn't charge it, nothing happens, but if he did charge it he had to send me off,” said the Uruguayan, admitting that “as a Culé, it hurts” to be eliminated.
According to the Spanish press, the German midfielder's comments have opened a fracture in the Barça locker room a few days before the league classic against Real Madrid on Sunday, in which Barça is risking continuing to fight for the title. championship.
“Madrid is our biggest rival and we have to change our mentality. We are going to go all out on Sunday,” said Araujo, whose team is second in LaLiga, eight points behind the Merengue leader.
“There are mathematical options and we have to fight for LaLiga until the end,” added the Uruguayan.
In case of victory, Barça would be five points behind Real Madrid with 18 points left to play once this 32nd league matchday ends.
