Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised to Valencia, their supporters and players after television cameras captured him describing the club as “very weak” during Barcelona’s 5–0 win at Mestalla. The Spain international addressed the controversy after Barcelona’s 5–1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord and said he had personally contacted Valencia captain José Luis Gayà to apologise to the entire squad.
Rodri made his first Barcelona start following his £65 million move from Manchester City in the victory over Valencia, who remain bottom of La Liga after four matches. He was substituted in the 62nd minute and was later filmed speaking with teammates on the bench as Barcelona continued to dominate the second half.
The midfielder was heard describing Valencia as “really weak” and “terrible,” while also commenting that the hosts had not crossed the halfway line. The exchange was a private conversation, but it was broadcast after cameras focused on the Barcelona bench, prompting criticism from Valencia supporters and Spanish media.
Rodri said he had no intention of ridiculing Valencia or exploiting the club’s difficult moment.
“First and foremost, I’d like to apologise to anyone who may have felt offended,” he said. “I had a phone call with my friend José Gayà and apologised to him and the whole squad. I want to make it clear that it was an expression of surprise.”
The 30-year-old added that anyone who watched the footage could see he had not intended to mock Valencia. He described the comments as a private exchange taken out of context and said he hoped the club would return to its “rightful place” among the leading teams in Spanish football.
Gayà accepted the apology after Rodri contacted him directly. The Valencia captain was asked to pass on the midfielder’s regret to the rest of the dressing room, with the conversation reported to have taken place in a cordial manner.
Rodri has made three appearances for Barcelona since arriving from Manchester City, totalling 116 minutes. After addressing the controversy, he will now look to focus on his growing role in Hansi Flick’s squad as Barcelona continue their domestic and European campaigns.
