Rodri said he called Valencia's Gaya to apologise Judit Cartiel/Getty ImagesSept. 9, 2026 Updated 6:33 pm EDTRodri has apologised to Valencia after disparaging comments he made about the La Liga side were made public.Barcelona defeated Valencia 5-0 at the Mestalla, a result that left the club rooted to the foot of the table with no wins in their first four matches.During the match, Movistar’s cameras captured Rodri on the bench talking to Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha. Although there was no audio, by reading Rodri’s lips, the television channel reported that he had said: “They’re really weak (Valencia). They haven’t got past the halfway line.”Movistar used this footage in a report with a voiceover that reproduced the conversation. Upon seeing it, the player himself rang José Luis Gaya, a Valencia player, to apologise.He wished to reiterate this ‘mea culpa’ after Wednesday’s 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord.Speaking in the mixed zone, Rodri said: “First and foremost, I’d like to apologise to anyone who may have felt offended,” Rodri began. “I had a phone call with my friend Jose Gaya and apologised to him and the whole squad.“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.“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 started the win over Feyenoord. Goals from Karim Adeyemi, Lamine Yamal, two goals from Raphinha as well as a first goal for the club from Gabriel Jesus secured an emphatic win and a strong start to the Spanish side’s Champions League campaign.Barcelona are next in action against Levante on Sunday.