La Liga: Rodri apologises after criticism over Valencia remark

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised to Valencia captain Jose Gaya and the club’s entire squad after television cameras appeared to catch him describing the La Liga strugglers as “very weak”.

According to BBC Sport on Thursday, the 30-year-old reportedly made the comment to Barcelona team-mates Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha while sitting on the bench after being substituted during Barcelona’s 5-0 league win over Valencia on Sunday.

The footage had no audio, but broadcaster Movistar claimed to have lip-read Rodri saying: “They’re really weak. They haven’t got past the halfway line.”

The comments led to criticism from Valencia fans and sections of the Spanish media, with Rodri accused of showing disrespect towards the struggling club.

However, Rodri said his words were simply an expression of surprise and were not intended to mock Valencia.

“I apologised to my friend and colleague Jose Gaya and to the entire squad as well,” Rodri said after Barcelona’s 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday.

“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,” he added.

Rodri also praised Valencia and said he wanted to see the club return to a stronger position in the league.

“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.”

The midfielder also pointed out that the comments were made during a private conversation and said the incident showed how remarks could sometimes be taken out of context.

“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,” Rodri said.

“But at no point did I mean any disrespect. My apologies to Valencia.”