BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Rodri of Barcelona is substituted on for Marc Bernal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Barcelona star Rodri has on Wednesday sent a public apology message the way of all associated with La Liga rivals Valencia.
This of course comes after the summer arrival in Catalunya’s capital sparked widespread controversy with his behaviour on the bench at Mestalla this past weekend.
Hauled off by Hansi Flick en route to a 5-0 Barcelona romp, Rodri was caught by the match cameras at the stadium insulting Valencia’s players. The 30-year-old made clear that he was taken aback by Los Che’s collective level, labelling Carlos Corberán’s side ‘very weak’.
These comments took place during an exchange with Pau Cubarsí, which evidently was not intended to be made public.
After Rodri was the subject of heavy backlash and criticism on the part of all at Valencia, the midfielder therefore felt it only right to set the record straight this week.
Speaking to the media in the aftermath of Barcelona’s Champions League victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday, the World Cup winner admitted:
“I want to apologise to the fans and players of Valencia. I also called Valencia’s captain, Gayà. A human, when they make a mistake, must apologise. I hope Valencia return to where they belong.”
🚨✋🏼 Rodri makes public statement to say sorry to Valencia and their players for his comments during the match.
“I want to apologize to the fans and players of Valencia. I also called Valencia's captain, Gayà”.
“A human, when they make a mistake, must apologize. I hope Valencia… pic.twitter.com/IzMRfPu12S
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 9, 2026
Conor Laird – GSFN