Rodri Apologizes to Valencia
Barcelona Midfielder Rodri Publicly Apologizes After Criticizing Valencia in Leaked Footage
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Key Points
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The comments were captured by Movistar cameras and later enhanced through audio and lip-reading; Rodri was speaking with Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí on the substitutes’ bench.
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The fuller exchange included Rodri saying Valencia were “poor” and had not “even got over the midfield line in the second half,” rather than only the shorter “very weak” and “terrible” remarks that circulated publicly.
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Rodri had started the match but was substituted in the 62nd minute, when Barcelona were already leading 3-0; Barcelona ultimately completed the 5-0 win at Mestalla.
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Rodri’s apology came amid criticism after the footage was broadcast, and he argued that the remarks had been a private conversation that should not have been taken out of context.
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Rodri and Gayà have a longstanding connection from playing together for Spain, and Rodri reportedly asked Valencia’s captain to explain the situation to the rest of the squad to prevent further controversy.
Barcelona midfielder Rodri apologized publicly to Valencia after television cameras captured him calling the team "very weak" and "terrible" during Barcelona's dominant 5-0 La Liga victory at Mestalla. Daily Mail reported that Rodri said the remarks were private comments made to teammate Pau Cubarsí on the substitutes' bench and had been taken out of context.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who came off the bench in the 62nd minute, personally called Valencia captain José Luis Gayà — a former Spain teammate — to apologize and asked him to explain the situation to the squad. Sportskeeda noted that Rodri expressed hope Valencia would return to being one of Spain's leading clubs after the club's recent struggles.
Cameras Caught Private Bench Comments
Spanish network Movistar's television footage captured Rodri speaking with Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí during the match. Yahoo News reported that audio enhancement and lip-reading technology revealed the fuller exchange, where Rodri said Valencia were "poor" and had not "even got over the midfield line in the second half." Only the shorter clips circulated publicly initially.
Rodri Claims Context Was Lost in Translation
Rodri defended himself by arguing the comments were a private conversation meant as an expression of surprise, not ridicule. He insisted the footage should never have been broadcast and that selective editing made his words sound worse than intended. AOL covered his statement explaining he was simply reacting to Valencia's performance on the field that evening.
Barcelona Dominated Despite Early Exit
Rodri started the match at Mestalla but was substituted out in the 62nd minute when Barcelona already led 3-0. The team completed a crushing 5-0 away victory. Sportskeeda noted that Rodri made the apology public after Barcelona's 5-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord, showing he wanted to put the matter to rest quickly.
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