Rodri’s move to FC Barcelona has been a resounding success so far. However, during the 5–0 victory in Valencia, the 30-year-old was caught making a few controversial remarks, on which he commented on Wednesday evening.
Anyone who has been named the best player at the European Championship and the best player at the World Cup, and who has also played in the currently more demanding Premier League over the past few years, is simply used to a certain standard. And Rodri made no secret of this last weekend.
Barcelona’s new signing was in the starting line-up for the 5–0 away win in Valencia, before being substituted just over an hour into the match. Once on the bench, he turned to his team-mate Pau Cubarsi and said: “These lads are really lazy, really bad.” Cameras captured the brief exchange; lip-readers did the rest. In the blink of an eye, a minor scandal swept through the Spanish football world.
Contact made with Valencia captain Gaya
Following Barça’s 5–1 victory over Feyenoord Rotterdam in their opening match of the Champions League season, the 30-year-old therefore felt it appropriate to publicly address his remarks, which were actually meant to be private. “If someone makes a mistake, they have to admit it and apologise,” said Rodri, addressing the historic Spanish club. “I would like to apologise to everyone who felt offended – the players, the fans and everyone else.”
Rodri said he had already made contact with Valencia captain José Gaya, “my friend”, and went on to explain: “It was taken out of context and was just a single sentence expressing my surprise. I hope that Valencia will soon regain the position it deserves.”
In the past seven league seasons, Valencia have finished ninth four times, twelfth once, thirteenth once and fourteenth once. In the current season, the 2000 and 2001 Champions League finalists are bottom of the table after four matchdays, still without a win – whilst Rodri and Barcelona sit at the top with a perfect record.