Rodri Apologises To Valencia After Calling Them ‘Very Weak’

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised to Valencia captain Jose Gaya and the club’s players following controversy over comments he was reported to have made after Barcelona’s emphatic victory at Mestalla.

According to Ireporter Online, the controversy emerged after television footage appeared to show Rodri making remarks about Valencia during Barcelona’s 5-0 La Liga win over the struggling side on Sunday.

Broadcaster Movistar reportedly lip-read the former Manchester City midfielder as saying that Valencia were “really weak” and had failed to move beyond the halfway line during the encounter.

The reported comments generated criticism from Valencia supporters and sections of the Spanish media, with some accusing the Barcelona player of showing disrespect towards the club.

Valencia were left at the bottom of the La Liga table after the defeat, having failed to record a victory in their opening four matches of the season.

Rodri addressed the controversy following Barcelona’s 5-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday, confirming that he had personally apologised to Gaya and the entire Valencia squad.

The midfielder explained that his remarks were merely an expression of surprise during what he described as a private conversation and insisted that he never intended to mock or disrespect Valencia.

Rodri maintained that the comments had been taken out of context and stressed that he understood the difficult period Valencia were experiencing.

He also expressed hope that the Spanish club would recover and return to its expected position in the league, describing Valencia as one of the important clubs in the competition.

The Barcelona midfielder further said the incident should serve as a reminder of how private conversations can sometimes be interpreted differently when captured by cameras and presented without full context.

Rodri reiterated that he meant no disrespect to Valencia and once again offered his apologies to the club, its captain and the entire squad.