Rodri Slams Valencia - Now He Apologizes

Rodri lifted the trophy to the sky as captain for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The 30-year-old is now playing in his home country again, having joined FC Barcelona.

There, he is causing a media stir. During the convincing 5-0 victory at Valencia, he is said to have made disparaging remarks about the opponent.

Private Conversation Caught on Camera

Actually, his comments were intended for a private conversation with Gavi, but the cameras captured the scene and Spanish lip-readers got to work.

As Spanish media reported, Rodri is said to have told his teammate: "Very bad, they are so bad. They are very bad, man. They are really bad."

The words did not go down well on the Iberian Peninsula. However, Rodri has already reacted, as he revealed in the mixed zone after the Champions League triumph over Feyenoord (5:1).

Call to the Captain

"I want to apologize to all those who felt offended – to the Valencia supporters, the fans, the players, to everyone who might have felt attacked by my words. I have already spoken on the phone with my friend and teammate José Gayà, to whom I apologized, as well as to the entire team. I also want to clarify that it was an expression of surprise," said Rodri.

It was by no means intended as an insult. "We all wish that Valencia, in my case, returns to where the club belongs. After all, this is our league, and Valencia is one of the best clubs in this league. I don't really want to say anything more about it. However, I also want to point out that it was a private conversation. I think we should all learn a little more from that," says the Spain captain.