JULIAN Araujo described his move to the Premier League as “all I ever wanted as a kid”, adding: “Once I heard the opportunity that came up, I told my agent to stop all negotiations with other teams.”
Araujo joined Cherries this week from Barcelona in a deal worth around £8.5million.
The right-back spent last season on loan at Las Palmas in La Liga, his first taste of football in Europe having played more than 100 matches for Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy.
Discussing his move to Cherries, Araujo told afcbTV: “I had initial interest throughout the whole off-season.
“I wanted to do my pre-season at Barcelona and respect my contract.
“Once I heard the opportunity that came up, I told my agent to stop all negotiations with other teams.
“I found it very exciting. I had a conversation with the coach and the sporting director and everything sounded very exciting for me.
“They had a lot of confidence in me, which is most important for a player and I was excited about where the project is going and where this club is heading.
“I’m very happy to be here, I’m excited to get to work and learn from everybody around. It’s been a warm welcome and I can’t help to give all my best to this club.
“To sign for a big club like Bournemouth on my birthday, my first Premier League contract, I hope to spend many years here and get this team to where it belongs.”
- Iraola quizzed on Aarons speculation as Araujo arrives
- Cherries complete signing of Mexico right-back Araujo
Araujo, who turned 23 on Tuesday, added: “It’s the best league in the world.
“For me, to play against my Mexican teammates is going to be amazing.
“I can’t wait to step on the field.
“There’s a lot of work to do. I know it’s going to be difficult to transition, but with time and the players and support I’ve got around me, I’m going to get there quick.
“It’s all I ever wanted as a kid, to have my family here on one of the biggest days of my life, to play in the biggest league in the world, where all eyes are.”
Lompoc-born Araujo is a full Mexico international with 13 caps to his name.
Asked what he will bring to Cherries, Araujo said: “I’m a guy that likes to lead. I’m very confident.
“I want to bring happiness and enjoy every day as much as we can.
“On the pitch I will give my all to the crest and I’m happy and excited to be here.”
On his new boss Andoni Iraola, Araujo added: “That was one of the most important things for me.
“When I had the conversation with him, he explained his formation and how he could see me on his team, so I was very excited.
“I watched some games last year and I know you guys had a very successful one and want to build off that, so hopefully I can provide and add to that.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel