Barcelona midfielder Rodri has issued an apology to the Valencia squad following footage that appeared to capture him describing the La Liga strugglers as “very weak.” The clip showed the 30‑year‑old former Manchester City player speaking to teammates Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha while on the bench after being substituted in Barcelona’s 5‑0 league win at Mestella Stadium on Sunday.
Valencia, who finished the match at the bottom of the table with no wins in their first four games, reacted to the footage with criticism from fans and sections of the Spanish press. Movistar, the broadcaster, claimed it had lip‑read the player saying, “They’re really weak. They haven’t got past the halfway line.”
In a statement following Barcelona’s 5‑1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord, Rodri said, “I apologised to my friend and colleague Jose Gaya and to the entire squad as well. I also want to make it clear that it was simply an expression of surprise – anyone watching the video can see that.” He added that the remark was made in a private conversation and that he had no intention of mocking the team.
Rodri, who won the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup, emphasised that he wishes Valencia to return to its rightful place in the league, describing it as “one of the best clubs in the competition.” He concluded, “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.”
The incident highlights how off‑pitch comments can quickly become public controversies, especially in the high‑stakes environment of La Liga.
