'I want to apologise to everyone I offended' - Barcelona's Rodri apologises after Valencia comments

Rodri started the match and was replaced in the 62nd minute, with Barcelona already three goals ahead. He remained involved from the bench, where television cameras picked up a conversation with teammate Pau Cubarsi about Valencia's performance.

Rodri was heard questioning the quality of Valencia's display as Barcelona continued to control the match.

The comments quickly became a talking point, prompting the midfielder to address the incident after Barcelona's 5-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord.

"I want to apologise to everyone who may have felt offended by my words, both players and fans," Rodri said.

"I've already spoken with my friend Gaya to apologise. It was a reaction of surprise; I hope Valencia can return to where it belongs."

Rodri's comments were made during his first La Liga start for Barcelona since returning to Spain.

After being substituted, he watched the remainder of the match alongside Cubarsi and reacted strongly to what he was seeing on the pitch.

"They're really weak - these guys are really weak… Really weak. They're really bad, man. They're terrible," Rodri was heard saying.

He also questioned how Valencia had performed during the previous season, adding: "How did they finish last season? They didn't even make it past midfield in the second half…"

Although the remarks were made in conversation with a teammate, the television cameras clearly captured them and turned what appeared to be a private reaction into a public controversy.

Rodri has now accepted responsibility rather than attempting to dismiss or deny his comments. His apology was directed at both Valencia's players and supporters.

The midfielder will now hope the incident is put behind him as Barcelona return their attention to La Liga and their next challenge against Levante at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Sunday.