Barcelona new signing, Rodri, has tendered his apology for describing Valencia as weak in the wake of fans and media furor in the Spanish La Liga
The World Cup winning captain made the comments during his team Barcelona’s 5-0 win at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium
Following his substitution in the match, Rodri was caught on camera telling teammate Pau Curbasi that the struggling La Liga club are weak and could not pass the halfway line against the Catalans
“They’re really weak They haven’t got past the halfway line.”
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner was accused of disrespect to the club and the league, and the former Manchester City midfield controller revealed on Wednesday night he tendered his apology to the club and its players
“I apologized to my friend and colleague Jose Gaya [Valencia captain] and to the entire squad as well”
The 2026 World Cup winning captain also added that his comment was a surprise due to Valencia’s poor performance in the match, not disrespect to the struggling former Spanish La Liga champions
“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.”
Valencia, who won La Liga twice in three seasons between 2022 and 2024, have been on a downward spiral since, and narrowly escaped relegation last season thanks to crucial goals scored by Super Eagles of Nigeria striker Umar Sadiq
They remain winless in four matches this season and are rock-bottom of the league with just one point