Barcelona midfielder Rodri apologizes to Valencia over disparaging comments

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologized to the Valencia squad following reports that he made disparaging remarks about the team. Television footage from Sunday’s 5-0 Barcelona victory at Mestella Stadium allegedly captured the 30-year-old describing Valencia as very weak while sitting on the bench. Broadcaster Movistar claimed that lip-reading the footage showed the midfielder stating the opponents had not crossed the halfway line. Rodri addressed the controversy on Wednesday following Barcelona’s 5-1 Champions League victory against Feyenoord. He stated that his remarks were an expression of surprise rather than an attempt to mock the struggling club, which currently sits at the bottom of the league table. The midfielder confirmed he contacted Valencia captain Jose Gaya to apologize to the entire squad, noting that the comments were made during a private conversation that lacked proper context.

• 7:32 AMYahoo Sports — Barca's Rodri apologises over Valencia 'weak' comments
• 7:27 AMBBC Sport — Barca's Rodri apologises over Valencia 'weak' comments