During the COPE broadcast, there was discussion of Rodri's "offensive remarks" about FC Valencia. COPE determined that Rodri's words "were not malicious" and that he wanted to ask for forgiveness.

COPE on Rodri's Remarks

I want to say something: This was clearly Rodri's mistake – first, on the day of his Barcelona debut, when he knew there might be 20 cameras pointed at him from the bench, he acted naively.

But after watching the replay, I have to be honest, I don't believe there was malice in his words, nor any intention to mock with these words and gestures; he wasn't mocking FC Valencia. If that were the case, I wouldn't need to defend Rodri.

Actually, his words seemed more like an expression of shock – as if to say: "This situation is simply dire." Like a player who spent many years in the Premier League suddenly encountering a Valencia team he knew nothing about. I really believe that, especially since many people say: "If Vinicius had done this, if Vinicius had done this, we would definitely criticize him harshly."

But listen, if he had done it with this... this body language that he showed, everyone would have torn him to shreds by now. I insist and want to emphasize that it's entirely out of love for the game: How often do you hear at youth matches telling your teammates: "These guys are so bad, absolutely terrible," or even "They can't even get past midfield"?

So I want to say, I honestly don't think Rodri's body language was intended to mock. But ultimately, this behavior is harmful to him; this kind of action, while very much in the spirit of football, is detrimental to him – like if he sat down and told his teammates: "That damn winger from Valencia is tearing us apart." Saying something like that is very much in keeping with the game. However, I believe this has taken away Rodri's humble image, just like his behavior at the Ballon d'Or ceremony – when he laughed and sang and mocked his biggest rival Vinicius: "Vinicius Ballon d'Or," "Vinicius Ballon d'Or."

In my opinion, both instances were major mistakes, and they stripped him of his humble image. Now he's become a super "football guy," like someone who sits down and complains about how bad the referee is or what an asshole that guy is. But if it's really as the outside world is saying, then he should come out and explain it clearly.

So, that's the second part, and what I want to say is: Rodri is upset, he's upset about it because it pains him to have hurt his teammates and the fans who were cheering him just seconds before. That means Rodri is still the same person. That means the fans might think the same way he does. Do you understand what I'm saying? It's really difficult when others speak badly about someone you care about.

Today, the Valencia fans aren't too angry. Now, for example, Xavi García could say: "Damn, treating teammates like that, I really admire him." I mean, he's upset about both things, both about his teammates and about the fans who applauded him before.

Rodri once mentioned this gesture and said: "Man, what warm applause I received at the Mestalla." Rodri wants to apologize, and he must apologize and explain that it was a mistake he made. And Rodri has no accounts on the two major social media platforms or other social media accounts.

He has no communication with the outside world except through media statements. What's going on? Because FC Barcelona has agreed to this happening, and Rodri wants to apologize.

I believe if tomorrow Barcelona's spokesperson tells Rodri: "No, don't come out," he must say: "Listen, I'm coming out anyway, because I have to." That can't be decided by a press director who just met Rodri 10 minutes ago, since Rodri only joined Barcelona 10 minutes ago.

And Rodri is a World Cup winner, Ballon d'Or winner, European champion. In this country, he is much more than just a Barcelona player. Rodri is much more than just a Barcelona player because he is captain of the Spanish national team.

That's why Rodri will go to the mixed zone after tomorrow's match as usual, or I don't know what he'll do, but he will make a statement, and that's what Rodri should do.

Übersetzt von KI.

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