OffsAIde
·9 September 2026
Rodri calls Gayà to apologise for Valencia comments

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Yahoo sportsOffsAIde
·9 September 2026

Rodri has called José Luis Gayà to apologise for disparaging comments about Valencia that were caught on camera after Valencia against Barcelona on Sunday, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo.
Movistar+'s El Día Después filmed him telling Pau Cubarsí that the opposition were very weak and very bad. He also asked how Valencia had finished last season, then reacted with disbelief on hearing they were close to Europe.
The exchange was intended to stay on the pitch but gained traction once it was broadcast. It was a private, relaxed chat that happened to be recorded. Rodri did not intend to offend Valencia players and would never have said this in public.
He contacted Gayà, whom he knows from the national team, and spoke with him. The pair had even shared a call-up for Qatar 2022 before the Valencia left-back withdrew injured.
Known for a calm manner and sportsmanship, Rodri has generally avoided controversy. He moved quickly after the programme aired to defuse the issue and to clarify matters with Gayà, the leading figure in Valencia’s dressing room.
Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo
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