Andrusw Araujo: I could have become a farmer, but since childhood I only dreamed of football

To your attention, a part of the exclusive material from the official match program for the game of the 8th round of the UPL 2025\2026 "Kryvbas" - "Kudrivka", when the Venezuelan midfielder of the red and whites Andrusw Araujo answered our questions.

- Andrusw, have you already managed to feel like a part of the red and white family? How quickly did you adapt to the new team and the atmosphere in the team?

- To be honest, I already feel like a full-fledged part of the team. From the very beginning, both the Club and the partners accepted me very well. I am comfortable, calm - I feel in my place. Every day I try to become better both as a football player and a person, to be useful to the team in everything I can.

- In your social networks, two words are written in the profile header: "consistency" and "discipline". Why did these principles become your life guidelines?

- I have always believed that these two things are key. I am not one of those players who has some outstanding talent. Everything I have achieved is the result of daily work. Therefore, consistency and discipline have become my foundation. They shape me as a footballer and as a person.

- There is a “Venezuelan flavor” in the team. Does this help you and the other Venezuelans of the Club to unite?

- Yes, it helps a lot. Venezuelans, wherever we are, always support each other. We are used to sticking together, being friendly and open. This is visible both on and off the field. We often walk around the city, eat together, sometimes spontaneously organize meetings - everything happens naturally and in a friendly way. Such unity is part of our culture.

- You were born in a small town of Motatan, where people are mainly engaged in agriculture. Do you think that if it were not for football - could you imagine yourself as a farmer? For example, David Beckham chose farming as a hobby after his career.

- This is an interesting question. I really come from a small village where most people work on the land. As a child, I helped my family - we grew bananas, yucca, corn. I don't know if I would have become a farmer, but I can definitely say that since childhood I dreamed only of football. My whole path is the path to this dream. I didn't see any other option for myself.

- Have you already managed to feel the special atmosphere and power of the history of the "Miner" stadium? How comfortable are you playing at home, in front of your fans?

- Every time I go out onto the field of the "Miner" stadium, I feel similar emotions to those I had at home - at the "Jose Pachencho Romero" stadium, when I played for FC "Rayo Zuliano". These are very valuable moments for me. There is a special energy here. The fans are constantly supporting, singing - it is inspiring. You feel that you are not alone, because the whole city is behind you. This gives you confidence and even greater motivation to fight for the result.

- What does not go without from your day? Are there any special rituals, habits or things that should always be nearby?

- I do not have any special rituals. But there is one tradition that I always follow before the match - I call my mother. Communication with my family is very important to me. This is my emotional charge, which helps me tune in to the game.

- What surprised you the most about our football after moving? How does the Ukrainian style of play differ from what you are used to in Venezuela?

- Football here is much faster, more dynamic and more powerful. In Venezuela, the style of play is calmer, with more pauses, fewer intense episodes. And here - constant movement, a lot of struggle, you have to be very hardy and concentrated. At first it was difficult, but I am gradually getting used to it and trying to meet this level.

- What Venezuelan dish is a real taste of home for you? What do you miss the most here in Ukraine? And have you managed to find something similar in the local cuisine?

- I miss cachapa the most. It is a traditional dish made of corn with cheese - very tasty and very Venezuelan, if I may say so. Unfortunately, I have not found anything similar here. There are dishes that somewhat resemble cachapa in structure or taste, but it is still not the same. Ukrainian cuisine is interesting and colorful, but cachapa is the taste of my childhood.

Read the full version of the interview in the official match program for the game "Kryvbas" - "Obolon". You can order this and other programs at t he official website of the Fan-shop, or by writing in Direct link to the official page of the Kryvbas FC Fan Shop on Instagram.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih