Maxi Araújo: “Playing in the World Cup is something I’ve dreamed of since I was very, very young”

After a season at Sporting that ended with a red card in the Portuguese Cup final against Torreense, despite being a standout player for the Lions, Maxi Araújo is heading to Uruguay to represent his national team in their 15th World Cup appearance, fulfilling a childhood dream.

Uruguay has been drawn into Group H, alongside Spain, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia, a draw that pleases the Sporting full-back.

“It’s going to be a beautiful group, and a very tough one too. I think we’ll be in great form and we hope to play some excellent matches, one after another, to achieve our first objective, which is to qualify. Uruguay is one of the favorites, and I also believe France, Portugal, and Argentina are as well,” he began, speaking to Sport TV.

Maxi Araújo’s earliest memories of the national team date back to the 2010 World Cup, which saw Uruguay finish fourth in South Africa. That tournament sparked a dream in the young boy to one day play on such a grand stage.
“For me, it would be one of the most important things in my life. I think it’s the best tournament I’ll ever play in. There’s a certain weight that comes with wearing the sky-blue jersey, because even though it’s been a long time since we won it [World Champions in 1930 and 1950], Uruguay will always be a significant contender in World Cups, a challenger, because it’s a country that will fight to the very end,” he emphasized.

Maxi Araújo doesn't hide his excitement as the countdown to the tournament begins: “It’s incredible. I talk a lot with my wife, and I think this is something I’ve dreamed of since I was very, very, very young, and it’s getting closer and closer. A lot of struggle to get to where we are, and with a lot of hard work and focus on what one needs to do, it’s arriving, and that’s the most important thing.”

In a quick-fire question challenge, Maxi Araújo stated that “Luis Suárez is the best player in Uruguay’s history.”