Barcelona captain responds to criticism after controversial Phil Foden incident: 'It's football' | Barca Universal

"It was a hard tackle, but obviously I went for the ball with no ill intent. After the match, I spoke to him (Foden), I sent him a message, and he told me he was fine and that it was just part of the game-after all, it's football."

"People blow things out of proportion, but it's clear that I go for the ball, and everyone knows I don't play dirty. I saw it later, and it's true that if you freeze the play, it looks really rough."

"The referee was on the field and VAR was there, and it's clear that I went for the ball. And the important thing is that I spoke with him, that he's okay, and that he told me it was nothing, that it's just soccer."

During an international friendly, Ronald Araujo's tackle on Phil Foden raised concerns after Foden left the pitch in discomfort. Araujo clarified that he aimed for the ball without ill intent and communicated with Foden post-match, who reassured him that he was fine. Araujo acknowledged that the tackle appeared worse on replay but maintained that he played fairly. He emphasized the importance of their conversation and the understanding that such incidents are part of football.

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