Araujo Sets Records Straight On Decision To Have World Cup-Ending Surgery
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has set the records straight on his decision to have surgery which is likely to rule him out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Araujo picked up a thigh injury while featuring for Uruguay in an international friendly with Iran last week and will require surgery to correct the problem.
The 24-year-old lasted just five minutes against the Iranians before hobbling off.
Some reports indicated that Uruguay were putting pressure on Barcelona to delay any surgery for Araujo and resort to conservative treatment in order to give him the best chance of playing in Qatar.
Araujo is set for a three-month spell on the sidelines should he undergo surgery and will effectively miss the World Cup.
The 23-year-old says the decision to go under the knife was made in the best interests of his career, ruling out any club-versus-country row over the best course of treatment.
"I want to make clear the reasons why I made my decision, to avoid speculation," Araujo wrote on social media.
"I love my country and I love my team.
"After consulting with several professionals, we decided the best [choice was] surgical intervention. Here, it is not about choosing one or the other, it is about health and getting back to 100 per cent as soon as possible.
"Personally, these are difficult times and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the support I'm receiving.
"With faith and hard work, I'll do my best to get back to as quickly as possible. Hugs and blessings!"
Uruguay will need to put together their World Cup squad by November 13, with their first game coming against South Korea on November 24.
The two-time world champions will also play Portugal and Ghana in their group.
