Barcelona midfielder Rodri apologises to Valencia over comments caught on camera

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised to Valencia’s players and supporters after television footage captured him criticising the club’s performance during Barcelona’s 5-0 victory at Mestalla.

Rodri started the La Liga match but was substituted in the 62nd minute, by which time Barcelona were already three goals ahead. He joined teammate Pau Cubarsi on the substitutes’ bench and continued watching the game as his side maintained control.

Cameras picked up a conversation between the two players in which Rodri questioned the quality of Valencia’s display. His comments quickly attracted attention, turning what appeared to be a private reaction into a public controversy.

Speaking after Barcelona’s 5-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord, Rodri apologised for his remarks.

“I want to apologise to everyone who may have felt offended by my words, both players and fans,” he said.

“I’ve already spoken with my friend Gaya to apologise. It was a reaction of surprise; I hope Valencia can return to where it belongs.”

Rodri’s comments came during his first La Liga start for Barcelona since returning to Spain. After being taken off, he watched the remainder of the match alongside Cubarsi and reacted strongly to Valencia’s performance.

“They’re really weak – these guys are really weak. Really weak. They’re really bad, man. They’re terrible,” Rodri was heard saying.

He also referred to Valencia’s campaign the previous season, asking: “How did they finish last season? They didn’t even make it past midfield in the second half.”

Although the remarks were made while Rodri was speaking to a team-mate, the television cameras clearly recorded them. The footage led to criticism of the midfielder and prompted him to address the incident publicly.

Rodri has accepted responsibility for what he said and directed his apology towards both Valencia’s players and their supporters. He did not attempt to dismiss or deny the comments.

The midfielder will now hope the matter can be put behind him as Barcelona turn their attention back to La Liga. Their next challenge comes against Levante at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Sunday.