Barcelona midfielder Rodri says he has apologised to the complete Valencia squad after tv cameras appeared to catch him describing the La Liga strugglers as "very weak".
Rodri reportedly made the remark to Barcelona team-mates Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha whereas sitting on the bench after being substituted throughout his aspect's 5-0 league win towards Valencia on Sunday.
The consequence at Mestella Stadium left Valencia backside of the desk with no wins of their first 4 matches.
Although the footage has no audio, broadcaster Movistar claimed they lip-read the 30-year-old former Manchester Metropolis participant saying: "They're actually weak. They haven't bought previous the midway line."
Followers and sections of the Spanish media accused Rodri, who gained the golden ball as Spain gained the 2026 World Cup, of being disrespectful.
"I apologised to my good friend and colleague Jose Gaya [Spain defender and Valencia captain] and to the complete squad as effectively," Rodri mentioned after Barcelona's 5-1 win towards Feyenoord within the Champions League on Wednesday.
"I additionally need to make it clear that it was merely an expression of shock – anybody watching the video can see that.
"At no level did I intend to mock anybody or take a tough second for a crew out of context. Fairly the alternative – all of us need Valencia to return to the place it belongs within the league, it is likely one of the greatest golf equipment within the competitors. I merely wished to say that.
"I’d additionally add that it was a non-public dialog; I believe we should always all study a bit extra from this, as issues actually do get taken out of context typically. However at no level did I imply any disrespect. My apologies to Valencia."
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