Rodri apologises to Valencia over 'weak' comment

Barcelona midfielder Rodri Hernández Cascante has apologised to Spanish professional football club Valencia after he was captured on camera describing the team as “weak” during their 5-0 defeat at the Mestalla last weekend.

Rodri started the match as Barcelona secured a heavy win over Valencia. During the game, cameras showed him on the bench speaking to other players, with lip readers claiming he said: “They're really weak. They haven't got past the halfway line.”

Speaking to A Punt Media in the mix zone, Rodri apologised for the comment.

“First and foremost, I’d like to apologise to anyone who may have felt offended. I had a phone call with my friend Jose Gaya and apologised to him and the whole squad."

Dramatic loss

The controversy erupted during Barcelona’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla last weekend, a result that further compounded the misery of Valencia, currently at the bottom of the La Liga table.

“I want to make it clear that it was an expression of surprise; anyone who watches the video can see that at no point did I intend to mock or take any team out of context. Quite the opposite," Rodri said.

He added: “I hope Valencia return to their rightful place as one of the best clubs in this league. It was a private conversation. We should all learn that sometimes things are taken out of context, but at no point did I intend to be disrespectful.”

Rodri moved to FC Barcelona, having completed a sensational summer transfer from Manchester City in August 2026 for a package valued up to €76.5 million (£65.4m).

The 30-year-old Spanish midfielder and recent World Cup MVP signed a four-year contract through June 2030. He is also the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.