Ronald Araújo saw his Barcelona team-mates earlier in the day at training, and a few hours later he saw them again, this time around a dinner table.
The Uruguayan center back invited the entire first team and coaching staff out for a group dinner tonight, according to reports. Araújo turned 27 last week and wanted to mark the occasion with the people he shares a dressing room with most days.
But there is more to it than that, to be fair. The squad is heading into the part of the calendar where every competition starts to tighten. A relaxed evening away from the training ground could help. Araújo also wanted to thank team-mates and staff who supported him during the last few months, when he briefly stepped away from the team while dealing with mental health struggles.
The dinner took place at Masia Rosàs, an events venue in Barcelona, with players and coaches attending after the day’s work at the Ciutat Esportiva. Barcelona are due back at training on Friday morning at 11:00, Barcelona time.
Araújo has done this before, for example, back in November he hosted a barbecue at his house for the squad after a rough stretch that included defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu and a frustrating UEFA Champions League draw against Club Brugge. At the time, the mood around the group needed a lift.
These days the atmosphere is better, and Araújo himself is gradually becoming more visible again on the pitch. He started the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Newcastle at St James’ Park, partly due to injuries, but partly because Hansi Flick has begun leaning on him again in bigger matches.
Araújo’s minutes have crept up in recent weeks. He has featured in eight of Barcelona’s last nine matches. Injuries to Alejandro Balde and Koundé have opened more space in the rotation, and the schedule ahead leaves little room for anyone to stay on the sidelines for long.
Flick has also asked him to solve problems in different parts of the field. Against Newcastle he filled in at right-back because of absences in the squad, covering a position usually handled by Jules Koundé. In the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atlético Madrid, with Barcelona pushing everyone forward late on, Araújo even finished the match playing as a center forward. Earlier in the league season, he popped up with a stoppage time winner against Girona after moving into the box in the final minutes.