RODRI found himself apologising to his former team-mate Bernardo Silva in the moments that followed Spain’s 1-0 World Cup win over Portugal.
The reigning European champions overcame ‘s thanks to a late Mikel Merino goal in a tense affair.
Rodri took a little too much joy in Silva’s miss for the Portugal star’s liking Credit: Getty
What do you make of the beef between Bernardo Silva and Rodri?! 😬 pic.twitter.com/t3jNBucgXw
— City Source (@CitySourceHQ) July 6, 2026
Portugal had a chance late on themselves, but soon-to-be star could not convert.
The playmaker has just departed Man City after nine fruitful years of service and he spent seven of those years alongside former winner .
The defensive midfielder appeared to stand over Silva while celebrating his miss and that did not go down well with the Portuguese international.
He popped back up and when Rodri tried to put his arm round him, a heated exchange took place that the players had to defuse.
The 30-year-old Rodri was quick to suggest national pride had clouded his judgement for a second when he was interviewed after the game.
He said: “I apologise to Bernardo Silva for celebrating his miss on that last action. It’s my fault.”
The duo played a total of 248 games together for the Cityzens and were key figures in the famous treble they won in 2023.
All of Silva, and left Man City at the end of last season to signal the end of an era for the blue half of Manchester.
But despite Rodri’s previous confessions that he would like to return home and play in Madrid again one day, the club’s midfield pillar remains in the north-west for now.
Spain will now move on and face on Friday in the quarter-finals.
Should they emerge victorious, a showdown with either or awaits in the semi-finals.
are on the other side of the draw and face this Saturday. A date with in the semi-finals appears to be the toughest prospect left on paper for the Three Lions.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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