Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised to Valencia after television cameras appeared to catch him describing the La Liga strugglers as “very weak”.
Rodri reportedly made the comment to Barcelona team-mates Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha while sitting on the bench after being substituted during Sunday’s 5-0 league victory over Valencia.
The result at Mestalla left Valencia bottom of the table without a win from their opening four matches.
Although the footage has no audio, broadcaster Movistar reported that lip-readers believed Rodri said: “They’re really weak. They haven’t got past the halfway line.”
The comment sparked criticism from Valencia fans and sections of the Spanish media, with some accusing the Barcelona midfielder of being disrespectful.
However, Rodri said he had apologised to Valencia captain and Spain team-mate Jose Gaya, as well as the entire squad.
“I apologised to my friend and colleague Jose Gaya and to the entire squad as well,” Rodri said after Barcelona’s 5-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord on Wednesday.
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“I also want to make it clear that it was simply an expression of surprise – anyone watching the video can see that.
“At no point did I intend to mock anyone or take a difficult moment for a team out of context.
“Quite the opposite – we all want Valencia to return to where it belongs in the league, it is one of the best clubs in the competition. I simply wanted to say that.
“I would also add that it was a private conversation; I think we should all learn a bit more from this, as things really do get taken out of context sometimes.
“But at no point did I mean any disrespect. My apologies to Valencia.”
Rodri, 30, joined Barcelona after previously playing for Manchester City and was part of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning squad, where he won the Golden Ball.
Barcelona’s victory over Valencia was their fifth win in the league campaign, while Valencia remain without a victory after four matches.
