Ronald Araujo has wasted no time in making an impression at Anfield, explaining the deeply personal and emotional meaning behind the shirt number he has chosen. The Uruguay defender completed a high-profile season-long loan switch from Barcelona to Liverpool earlier this week, giving the Reds a major lift in their defensive options.

Liverpool have pulled off one of the most striking deals of the summer transfer window by bringing in Araujo from Barcelona. The 27-year-old Uruguay international has joined the Reds on an initial loan for the season, although the move could become permanent next summer. As part of the agreement, Liverpool have secured an option to buy him for £47.14 million, opening the door for the defender to stay on Merseyside for the long term.

Although he was well known for wearing the No.4 shirt during his time at Camp Nou, that jersey is currently held by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, meaning the former Barcelona star had to make a different selection. Araujo has now been handed the No.33 shirt, a number last worn at Liverpool by Jordon Ibe 10 years ago.

Araujo has now spoken about the spiritual and professional factors behind his decision to take the No.33 shirt at Anfield. For the defender, it was far from a random choice. He said the number carries a strong link to both his early playing days and his religious beliefs.

“It’s a number that I like, it’s a number that is special to me. Funnily enough, way back when I made my debut as a professional, that was the number that I was wearing back then,” Araujo said.

“But it has a personal meaning for me as well, it has a meaning which is all to do with my faith and my relationship with Jesus and God and religion. It’s a subject I spoke about and had a good conversation with my friends, my family, my partner and my parents. It’s a number I’m very pleased on a number of levels to be wearing.”

Earlier, in his first official interview with the club’s media team, Araujo spoke of his huge pride at joining one of the most historic clubs in world football. The defender looks keen to settle quickly into the club’s culture and work alongside elite players such as Virgil van Dijk.

He told club media: “I can't wait to get started. I'm very, very happy. I'm excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I'm excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I'm very motivated and really up for getting going.”

Araujo’s arrival has come at an important moment for Andoni Iraola’s side, with the squad left short at the back because of a run of defensive injuries during pre-season. The Uruguayan brings important versatility, with the ability to play in central defence or fill in at right-back when needed. That adaptability is especially valuable as Joe Gomez is ruled out until at least the beginning of next month, while younger talents such as Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are yet to appear in the summer programme.

The 27-year-old comes in with a good level of match fitness after taking part in Barcelona’s pre-season work before the transfer was completed. Supporters may not have to wait long to see him make his first appearance, with a possible debut lined up for next Sunday’s meeting with Como.